Helmet Accessory Mounting System

ABSTRACT

A helmet accessory mounting system includes a mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet. The mounting device includes a plurality of mounting locations configured to removeably couple to at least one accessory. A plurality of the plurality of mounting locations each includes an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mounting device. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supply to each of the electrical nodes and the electrical supply line is contained at least partially within the mounting device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims to benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/118,510, entitled “Helmet Accessory Mounting System,”filed on Nov. 25, 2020, and is related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/531,308, entitled “Helmet Accessory Mounting System,” filed onNov. 19, 2021, and International Patent Application No.PCT/US2020/34325, entitled “Helmet Accessory Mounting System,” filed onMay 22, 2020, each of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to head protection gear, and inparticular to a system for mounting one or more accessories to a helmet.

BACKGROUND

Helmets used for global defense forces, emergency responders, andindustrial personnel operating in high performance environments, oftenrequire one or more accessories to be removeably coupled to the helmetshell. A modular configuration for attaching accessories to a helmetallows for a wide range of customizable functionality ranging fromcommunication systems to face masks. Powered accessories, such as NightVison Goggles (NVGs), lights, and communication headsets that attach toexisting helmets, often include their own power supply. There maytherefore be a redundancy of power supplies coupled to the helmet whenmultiple accessories are coupled to the helmet. This can add undesirableweight and/or size to the helmet making it cumbersome to use. Theoverall weight, weight distribution/balance, and size and configurationof a helmet can be critically important.

While the increase in the number of accessories and mounting positionshas improved the functionality of helmet systems, managing, controlling,and communicating with disparate accessories has become increasinglychallenging.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a mounting system for mounting and/orattaching accessories to a head protection gear such as a helmet so asto provide a wearer of the head protection gear access to or use of oneor more accessory devices including, for example, a power supply, astrobe light, a communication headset, a radio, an antenna, a receiver,a flashlight, a laser light, night vision goggles, augmented realitygoggles, a geolocation system receiver, a camera, hazmat sensors, aheads-up display, and the like. The present disclosure further providesfor a network that enables the one or more accessories to communicatewith each other and with an external device not mounted to the headprotection gear.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a helmet accessory mountingsystem may include a mounting device configured to couple to an outersurface of a side of a helmet, the mounting device including a pluralityof mounting locations configured to releasably couple to at least oneaccessory, a plurality of the plurality of mounting locations eachincluding an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mountingdevice. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supplyto each of the electrical nodes. The electrical supply line is at leastpartially contained within the mounting device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a helmet system may includea helmet having an outer surface, the outer surface having a first sideand a second side opposed to the first side and a rear surface betweenthe first side and second side and a power source. The helmet systemfurther includes an accessory mounting assembly comprising a firstmounting device coupled to the first side of the outer surface of thehelmet and including a plurality of first mounting locations forremoveably coupling to at least one accessory of a plurality ofaccessories, a plurality of the plurality of first mounting locationseach including an electrical node. The accessory mounting assemblyfurther includes a second mounting device coupled to the second side ofthe outer surface of the helmet and including a plurality of secondmounting locations for removeably coupling to at least one accessory ofthe plurality of accessories, a plurality of the plurality of secondmounting locations each including an electrical node. A power sourcemount is coupled to the outer surface of the helmet. The power sourcemount has a concaved inner surface configured to correspond to acurvature of the rear surface of the outer surface of the helmet. Thepower source mount includes at least one mounting location. The firstmounting device and second mounting device are each adjustably coupledto the power source mount by an adjustable fastener. Each of theadjustable fasteners is configured to move the first mounting device andsecond mounting device relative to the power source mount to adjust theaccessory mounting assembly to a size of the helmet. The power source isremoveably coupled to the at least one mounting location of the powersource mount, wherein the power source is configured to provide power toeach of the electrical nodes. The power source includes a controllerconfigured to exchange data with each of the electrical nodes. A bottomedge of the first mounting device, second mounting device, and powersource mount are each disposed on the outer surface of the helmet abovea bottom edge of the helmet. Each electrical node includes a positiveelectrical contact, a negative electrical contact, a first data contact,and a second data contact each having a contact surface exposed throughan outer surface of the corresponding first mounting device and secondmounting device, each electrical node configured to couple tocorresponding pins from the at least one accessory of the plurality ofaccessories.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory for mountingto a helmet may include a body housing electronics and having a proximalend configured to releasably couple to a mount attached to the helmetand a spacing surface coupled to the proximal end. A plurality of pinsextend through the spacing surface. Each of the plurality of pins isspring biased relative to the body. An elastomeric seal is disposed onthe spacing surface and surrounding the plurality of pins.

Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be setforth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology.The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attainedby the structure particularly pointed out in the written description andembodiments hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the helmetaccessory mounting system will be better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. Itshould be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For example, althoughnot expressly stated herein, features of one or more various disclosedembodiments may be incorporated into other of the disclosed embodiments.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of ahelmet and accessory mount system with a communication mount arm at therear of a rail and accessories attached thereto in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the helmet and accessory mountsystem of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of the helmet and accessory mountsystem of FIG. 1A shown with the communication mount arm mounted to thecenter contact of the rail;

FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a helmet accessory mounting system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosureschematically illustrating the intra-helmet communication as well ascommunication with other helmet mounting systems;

FIG. 3 is a left-side elevational view of the helmet accessory mountingsystem of FIG. 1A shown with the accessories removed, the right-sidebeing substantially a mirror image;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the rail of FIG. 1A taken along aplane defined by line 4-4 in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is right-side perspective view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7A is a bottom, perspective view of a top accessory in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is an alternate arrangement of contact pins for accessories inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a left-side, partially exploded perspective view of theaccessory mount shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9 is a left-side perspective view of the helmet accessory mountingsystem of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is an interior side, perspective view of a track accessory inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a side, perspective view of a track accessory shown beingattached to the rail of FIG. 1A in a first attachment step;

FIG. 12B is a side, perspective view of a track accessory shown beingattached to the rail of FIG. 1A in a second attachment step;

FIG. 13 is an interior side, perspective view of another track accessoryin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14A is a side, perspective view of the track accessory of FIG. 13shown being attached to the rail of FIG. 1A in a first attachment step;

FIG. 14B is a side, perspective view of the track accessory of FIG. 13shown being attached to the rail of FIG. 1A in a second attachment step;

FIG. 15A is a bottom perspective view of the communication mount armaccessory of FIG. 1A shown with the ear cup removed;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged rear perspective view of area E of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a rear, perspective view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1Ashown coupled to the helmet, with a power source attached and withoutadditional accessories;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1Ashown with the power source removed;

FIG. 18 is a rear, perspective view of the power source mount of FIG.1A;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the adjustment member of the power sourcemount shown within area D of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the power source of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 21 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the accessory mount ofFIG. 1A and the helmet;

FIG. 22A is a partial exploded perspective view of a power, data, andcontrol connector and an accessory node of the helmet accessory mountingsystem of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the powered connector and accessorynode of FIG. 22A with an overmold connected to the accessory node;

FIG. 22C is a top plan view of the accessory node and overmold of FIG.22B;

FIG. 23A is a front, perspective view of helmet accessory mountingsystem in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23B is a right-side, rear, perspective view of the helmet accessorymounting system of FIG. 23A with a power source attached;

FIG. 23C is a left-side, rear, perspective view of the helmet accessorymounting system of FIG. 23A with the power source removed;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the power source of FIG. 23B;

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of the current limiting circuit inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of the accessory detectioncircuit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of the power switching circuit inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of a modular battery circuit inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of a modular battery circuit inaccordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the battery control circuitry shown inFIG. 29 ;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the current monitor circuit shown in FIG.29 ;

FIGS. 32A-C is a schematic representation and pinout table of anelectrical interface of a hot shoe in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method of communication betweenaccessories and the power source using different communication channelsin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating a method for identifying a node onthe helmet accessory mounting system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating a method for accessorycommunication according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Existing helmet systems have stand-alone accessories each having theirown power source and do not communicate with other accessories or helmetsystems. The helmet accessory mounting system described herein providespower to one or more accessories from a single or reduced number ofpower sources. The helmet accessory mounting system described hereinalso provides a data connection between two or more accessories mountedon a single helmet and/or between two or more accessories, each mountedon a different helmet.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-22C, anaccessory mounting system, generally designated 10, and accessoriesassociated therewith, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, a helmet accessory mounting system 10may include a mounting device configured to couple a plurality ofaccessories to a helmet 14. Helmet 14 may be any type of head protectionhelmet known in the art, for example, those used for sporting,industrial safety, police, or military purposes. In certain embodiments,helmet 14 is a standard infantry ballistic helmet. In some embodiments,helmet 14 is an advanced combat helmet (ACH), an enhanced combat helmet(ECH), a modular integrated communications helmet (MICH), a tacticalballistic helmet (TBH), a lightweight marine helmet, police general dutyhelmet, a personnel armor system for ground troops (PASGT), a FAST SFhelmet, an integrated head protection system (IHPS) helmet, or anaircrew helmet, such as an HGU-56/P rotary wing helmet or an HGU-55/Pfixed wing helmet.

The mounting device may be comprised of one or more mounting features(e.g., one or more rails 12, power source mount 60, shroud 82) and maybe collectively referred to as a mounting device, mounting assembly,accessory mounting assembly or a mounting system. The mounting devicemay include one or more nodes (e.g., track nodes 34, top nodes 110)configured to couple accessories to the helmet accessory mounting system10. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include a centralizedpower unit (e.g., power supply 28) which is extended along a cablenetwork (e.g., electrical connector 26, cable 124) around the helmet 14.The centralized power unit may be a “smart” power source configured tosimultaneously and selectively provide power to one or more accessories(e.g., top accessories 116) coupled to the one or more nodes of thehelmet accessory mounting system 10. A centralized power unit mayprovide for an improved weight distribution as compared to existingsystems in which each accessory is connected to its own power supply.The centralized power unit may be configured to use a single type ofbattery (e.g., AA, AAA, CR123, rechargeable batteries), or a fuel cell,in order to power a plurality of different accessories as opposed to themix of battery types required in existing systems. The centralized powerunit may include a centralized processor or controller (e.g., controller134) configured to control power management to one or more accessoriesindependent of one another.

The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may be configured such that thehelmet 14 is kept clear of any exposed cables and wires used toelectrically couple accessories to the helmet 14. In one embodiment, thehelmet accessory mounting system 10 does not have any components thatextend over or attach to the crest of the helmet 14 to help prevent anoperator who is wearing the helmet 14 from colliding with environmentalfeatures and to help reduce snag hazards. In one embodiment, the helmetaccessory mounting system 10 does not require any bungees, straps orhook and loop fasteners to couple the mounting device to the helmet 14.

In some embodiments, the helmet 14 and helmet accessory mounting system10 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the helmet accessorymounting system 10 may be adjustably sized to be retrofit onto anexisting helmet 14. In some embodiments, the helmet accessory mountingsystem 10 may be detachably coupled to the helmet 14 by fasteners. Insome embodiments, the helmet accessory mounting system 10 may beconfigured to be coupled to a helmet 14 without any fasteners extendingthrough the helmet 14. In some embodiments, the helmet accessorymounting system 10 couples to the helmet through a helmet cover.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating intra-helmet communication as well ascommunication with other helmet accessory mounting systems as shown anddescribed herein. The cable network of helmet accessory mounting system10 as discussed further below may provide intra-helmet communicationbetween accessories coupled to the helmet accessory mounting system 10.The centralized power unit may include a wireless communication device(e.g., wireless transceiver 136) such that the helmet accessory mountingsystem 10 can communicate with one or more other helmet accessorymounting systems 10. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may beconfigured to communicate with additional devices (e.g., end userdevices 137 (“EUD”), external radios, USB hubs) in order to facilitatecommunication between one or more helmets 14. In some embodiments, thehelmet accessory mounting system 10 may include an integrated globalpositioning system (“GPS”). The GPS may be integrated into the powersource 28. In some embodiments, the GPS is integrated into at least oneof rails 12, shroud 82, or an accessory coupled to the helmet accessorymounting system 10, as described below. In some embodiments, the helmetaccessory mounting system 10 may be configured to communicate with a GPSsystem of an EUD 137.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-5 , the helmet accessory mounting system 10 mayinclude one or more mounting devices (e.g., rail 12) configured tocouple to a helmet 14. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 mayinclude a centralized power unit (e.g., power source 28) having aplurality of electrical and data lines extended along a plurality ofnodes (e.g., track nodes 34 and top nodes 110). The helmet accessorymounting system 10 may include a first rail 12 coupled to a first sideof the helmet 14. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include asecond rail 12 coupled to a second side of the helmet 14 opposed fromthe first side. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include amounting device (e.g., power source mount 60) configured to couple to apower supply (e.g., power source 28). In at least one embodiment, thepower source mount 60 may be coupled to a rear side of the helmet 14.The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include a mounting device(e.g., shroud 82) coupled to a front side of the helmet 14. The rails 12may each include a recessed retaining groove (e.g., track 18) configuredto couple accessories (e.g., track accessories 16, or communicationmount 17) to helmet 14. The rails 12 may each include at least onemounting surface (e.g., top nodes 110 shown in FIG. 5 ) on a top surface13 of rail 12, configured to couple accessories (e.g., top accessories116) to helmet 14. In an alternative embodiment, an accessory, such asany of the accessories mentioned herein, may include a universal nodeinterface configured to be coupled to either the track 18 or a topsurface 13 of rail 12.

The helmet accessory mounting system 10, as described herein, mayinclude wired (e.g., USB hub) or wireless communication capabilities(e.g., wireless transceiver 136) to allow at least one accessoryattached to the helmet accessory mounting system 10 to communicate withaccessories attached to another accessory mount, attached to a differenthelmet or to allow the helmet accessory mounting system 10 tocommunicate with an end user device (EUD) 137. The helmet accessorymounting system 10 may be in wired or wireless communication with aplurality of accessory mounts coupled to one or more additional helmetsystems. For example, a first accessory mount coupled to a first helmetmay include a first accessory (e.g., a first strobe light) which is inwireless communication with a second accessory (e.g., a second strobelight) attached to a second accessory mount coupled to a second helmet.

The rails 12 may be adjustably coupled to power source mount 60, asdiscussed in greater detail below, in order to fit to differently sizedand shaped helmets. The power source mount may be configured to provideat least one of an electrical and/or data connection between the rails12 and power source 28 when the power source 28 is coupled to the powersource mount 60. The power source mount 60 may be configured to provideat least one of an electrical and/or data connection between the shroud82 and power source 28 when the power source 28 is coupled to powersource mount 60. The rails 12 may include a plurality of mountingfeatures (track nodes 34, top nodes 110) spaced at various positionsaround helmet 14. The plurality of mounting features may be spaced alongthe track 18 and top surface 13 configured to couple accessories to therail 12. The rail 12 may be configured to selectively provide power fromthe power source 28 to an accessory coupled to a mounting location ofthe plurality of mounting locations. The plurality of mounting locationsmay include track nodes 34, positioned along track 18. The plurality ofmounting locations may additionally include top nodes 110 positionedalong the top surface 13 of rail 12.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-5 , the outer surface 32 of rail 12 may beshaped to form a recessed groove (e.g., track 18). The track 18 maycomprise a flat outwardly facing surface and a pair of angled sidewallsopposed to the flat outwardly facing surface. The rail 12 may beconfigured to simultaneously couple to a plurality of accessories (e.g.,track accessories 16, top accessories 116, communication mount 17). Thetrack accessories 16 (FIGS. 11 and 13 ), and communication mount 17 maybe configured to couple to the rail 12 in any of a plurality ofpositions along the length of the track 18. The top accessories 116 a-cmay be configured to couple to rail 12 in a plurality of positions alongthe top surface 13 of rail 12. The shroud 82 may be configured to couplean accessory (e.g., shroud accessory 19) to the helmet 14. Theaccessories depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C include lights 116 a-b, strobelights 116 c, a communication mount 17, and a shroud accessory 19;however, additional accessories could also be attached to the helmetaccessory mounting system 10. For example, a camera, an antenna, a maplight, a laser threat sensor, a biometrics sensor, a flashlight, a headtracking system, a global positioning system, memory storage, a digitalcompass, a chemical and biological sensor for detecting hazardouschemical and/or biological agents, a radiation sensor, a microphoneand/or a heads-up display may also be attached to the helmet accessorymounting system 10. Multiple top accessories 116 a-c are shown in FIGS.1A-1C, however any one of top accessories 116 a-c may be generallyreferred to as top accessory 116 in the following description.Similarly, track accessories 16 a-b (FIGS. 11 and 13 ) may be coupled totrack 18 and generally be referred to as track accessories 16.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, 9-10 and 17 , in one embodiment, the rail 12 mayinclude a track 18 configured to receive at least one track accessory 16or communication mount 17. The rail 12 may be configured to receive atleast one top accessory 116. The rail 12 may receive a plurality ofaccessories (e.g., top accessories 116, track accessories 16,communication mount 17) simultaneously in a plurality of positions. Forexample, the track 18 may receive at least one track accessory 16 in afirst position along track 18 while simultaneously receivingcommunication mount 17 in a second position along track 18 and whilesimultaneously receiving a top accessory 116 in a position along the topsurface 13 of the rail 12. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 maybe configured to provide data communication between accessories that aresimultaneously coupled to the rail 12, as discussed in more detailbelow.

Referring to FIG. 3-4 , the track 18 may have a dovetail cross-sectionalshape (FIG. 4 ) when viewed transverse or perpendicular to the length ofthe track, such as along a plane defined by line 4-4 (FIG. 3 ). The rail12 may include a first track 18 a and a second track 18 b. The secondtrack 18 b may be at an oblique angle relative to the first track 18 a.The first track 18 a may be spaced from the second track 18 b. Forexample, a space such as buckle attachment 21 may extend between thefirst track 18 a and the second track 18 b. In other embodiments, thefirst track 18 a and second track 18 b are coupled to form a continuoustrack along the length of the rail 12.

Each of the first track 18 a and second track 18 b may be configured toreceive an accessory connector of a corresponding accessory, asdiscussed in detail elsewhere herein. Each of the first track 18 a andsecond track 18 b may have a dovetail cross-sectional shape, asdescribed herein. The first track 18 a may extend along a first axis A₁and the second track 18 b may extend along a second axis A₂. The firstaxis A₁ may be transverse to the second axis A₂. A major length of thefirst track 18 a may extend along the first axis A₁. A major length ofthe second track 18 b may extend along the second axis A₂. The trackaccessory 16 and communication mount 17 may couple to the rail 12 in anyof a plurality of positions along either of the first track 18 a or thesecond track 18 b.

The helmet 14 may include a bottom edge or rim 20 and the track 18 maybe spaced from the rim 20. A bottom edge 131 of rail 12 may be spacedfrom rim 20. A track 18 that is spaced from the rim 20 may increase usercomfort by allowing accessories to couple to the rail without wrappingaround the rim 20 which could cause the accessories to contact a user'shead or reduce the protection capabilities of the helmet 14. The rail 12may be coupled to the helmet 14 using existing bolt holes 83 (FIG. 21 )in the helmet 14 allowing for solid attachment to the helmet 14 withoutthe need for creating additional holes in the helmet 14. In someembodiments, the helmet accessory mounting system 10 may be bolt-lesssuch that it is configured to attach to a helmet without any bolt holes.One type of rail contemplated for use with the present disclosure isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,908,667, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, 9, 16, and 21 , the rail 12 may include one ormore rail openings 30 (FIG. 21 ) extending through the outer surface 32of the rail 12. In some embodiments, the rail openings 30 extendcompletely through the rail 12. A track node 34 may be positioned in arail opening 30. The track node 34 may be configured to provide at leastone of an electrical contact and a data contact between a connector(e.g., electrical connector 26) and a track accessory 16 (FIGS. 11-14B).The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include a first track node34 at a front of the rail 12. The helmet accessory mounting system 10may include a second track node 34 at a rear of the rail 12. The helmetaccessory mounting system 10 may include a third node 34 in between thefront of the rail 12 and the rear of the rail 12. The helmet accessorymounting system 10 may include a first track node 34 in the first track18 a and a second track node 34 in the second track 18 b (FIG. 3 ). Insome embodiments, each rail 12 includes three track nodes.

The rail 12 may include one or more rail depressions 31 in an outersurface 32 of the rail 12. In some embodiments, the rail depressions 31extend from the outer surface 32 toward an inner surface, but notthrough, the rail 12. In other embodiments, the rail depressions 31extend completely through the rail 12. At least one of the raildepressions 31 on either side of a corresponding track node 34 mayinclude a sensor 56. The rail depression 31 may be configured to receivea portion of the track accessory 16 to fix the position of the trackaccessory 16 relative to the rail 12, as explained in greater detailbelow.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the rail 12 may include one or more top openings148 extending through the top surface 13 of the rail 12. In someembodiments, the top opening 148 extends completely through the rail 12.A top node 110 may be positioned in a top opening 148. The top nodes 110may be detachably coupled to the rail 12 by fasteners 146. Each top node110 may include protrusions 140 on opposing sides of the top node 110.The protrusions 140 may include an opening sized to allow a threadedportion of fastener 146 to pass through. The rail 12 may includethreaded receiving areas (not shown) proximal to the top opening 148configured to receive fasteners 146. The fasteners 146 may pass throughthe openings in protrusions 140 and threadably couple to the rail 12 tocouple the top nodes 110 to rail 12. The top node 110 may be configuredto provide at least one of an electrical contact and a data contactbetween a connector (e.g., electrical connector 26) and a top accessory116. The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include a first topnode 110 at a front of the rail 12. The rail 12 may include a second topnode 110 between the rear and front of the rail 12. The second top node110 may be positioned at the bend of the rail 12 (FIG. 5 ). In someembodiments, each rail 12 includes two top nodes 110.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20 , it may be desirable to provide a mountingsurface (e.g., power source mount 60) configured to couple a centralizedpower source (e.g. power source 28) to helmet 14. The power source 28may be a battery pack. The power source 28 may provide power to anyaccessories 16 coupled to the rails 12.

In some embodiments, the power source 28 may provide hardwired orwireless data transfer between the power source 28 and any accessories(e.g., track accessories 16, top accessories 116, communication mount17) coupled to the rail 12 or any devices (shroud accessory 19) coupledto a shroud 82. The power source 28 may act as a data hub and routecommunications between different accessories coupled to the helmetaccessory mounting system 10 or between the accessories and externaldevices (e.g., EUD 137). The power source 28 may establish at leastthree paths of communication: 1) between a shroud accessory 19 andaccessories coupled to the rails 12 (e.g. track accessories 16, topaccessories 116, communication mount 17); 2) between a first accessorycoupled to a rail 12 and a second accessory coupled to a rail 12; and 3)between any of the above mentioned accessories and an external device orsystem (e.g. EUD 137, another helmet accessory mounting system 10). Insome embodiments, the power source 28 may include a wireless transceiver136 to allow communication between accessories and external deviceswirelessly. In another embodiment, the power source 28 may include areceiving port (e.g., USB port) adapted couple the helmet accessorymounting system 10 to an external device via a hardwired connection.

The power source 28 may include circuitry (FIG. 28 ) that permits groups(e.g., pairs) of series-connected batteries to be connected in parallel.The power source mount 60 may have a concaved inner surface configuredto correspond to a curvature of a rear surface of the helmet 14. Therail 12 may be coupled to the helmet 14 using existing bolt holes 83 fora chinstrap (not shown) of the helmet 14. The power source mount 60 mayalso be coupled to the helmet using the existing bolt holes for thechinstrap of the helmet. The power source mount 60 may include a recess80 configured to receive a fastener 81 (e.g., a bolt) to fix the powersource mount 60 to the helmet 14. The recess 80 may be elongated toallow adjustability of the effective length of the power source mount 60such that the power source coupling can be utilized with different sizedhelmets 14 having different distances between the rails 12.

The power source mount 60 may be coupled to the mounting device 10 by anadjustable fastener (e.g., adjustment member 61) configured to move themounting device 10 relative to the power source mount 60 to adjust themounting device 10 to a size of the helmet 14. The power source mount 60may be configured to couple to rails 12 on at least one side of helmet14. The power source mount 60, when coupled to rails 12 on both sides ofthe helmet 14, may be configured to adjust the spacing between rails 12such that the rails 12 and power source mount 60 may can be tightlyattached to helmets of different sizes.

The power source mount 60 may include a size adjustment mechanism (e.g.,adjustment members 61, and mounting boss 59) to allow for tensioning andposition adjustment of the rail 12 relative to the power source mount 60such that the rail 16 and power source mount 60 may fit on multiplesizes of helmets. Opposing ends of the power source mount 60 may eachinclude a mounting boss 59. Each mounting boss 59 may include an openingconfigured to receive at least a portion of a corresponding adjustmentmember 61. In one embodiment, the opening in the mounting boss 59 isthreaded. In another embodiment, the opening in the mounting boss 59 issmooth.

Adjustment members 61 may have a head and a threaded portion. The headof the adjustment member 61 may be sized such that it cannot passthrough the opening in the mounting boss 59. The threaded portion of theadjustment member 61 may be sized such that it may pass through theopening in the mounting boss 59 and into a corresponding adjustmentchannel 63 of a corresponding rail 12 (FIG. 19 ). The adjustment channel63 may be a threaded hole. The adjustment channel 63 may include athreaded opening and/or a nut configured to receive a portion of thethreaded portion of the adjustment member 61. When coupled to themounting boss 59 and adjustment channel 63, the adjustment member 61 maybe rotated to cause the corresponding rail 12 to be moved relative tothe mounting boss 59. For example, rotating the adjustment member 61 ina first direction may threadably interact with the adjustment channel 63causing the rail 12 to be moved towards the mounting boss 59.Alternatively, rotating the adjustment member 61 in a second direction,opposite the first direction, may threadably interact with theadjustment channel 63 causing the rail 12 to be moved away from themounting boss 59.

Still referring to FIGS. 16-20 , in one embodiment, the power source 28may be detachably coupled to a power source mount 60. The power sourcemount 60 may be electrically coupled to the electrical connector 26 inthe rail 12. The power source mount 60 may include a channel or grooveto receive the electrical connector 26. The power source mount 60 mayinclude a hot shoe 62 configured to couple to the power source 28. Thehot shoe 62 may physically and electrically couple the power source 28to the power source mount 60. Coupling the power source 28 to the hotshoe 62 may fix the position of the power source 28 relative to the hotshoe 62 while simultaneously electrically coupling the power source 28to the hot shoe 62. The hot shoe 62 may be designed to couple to any ofa plurality of power sources having differing size, shape, or voltages.

The hot shoe 62 may include an electrical interface 64. The electricalinterface 64 may include one or more contacts or pins configured toreceive corresponding contacts (e.g., contacts 92) on power source 28 asdiscussed below. At least one of the electrical interface 64 contactsmay be a high-speed data contact. The one or more contacts on theelectrical interface 64 may be positioned with an area of about 0.35square inches in an embodiment. The electrical interface 64 may couplethe data transfer line and the electrical transfer line of theelectrical connector 26 to the power source 28. The hot shoe 62 mayinclude a printed circuit board 65. The hot shoe 62 may be configured tolimit the current from the power source 28 to track accessories 16 andtop accessories 116 coupled to the rail 12 or a device coupled to ashroud. The hot shoe 62 may protect the power source 28 from a shortcircuit in the rail 12, track accessories 16, top accessories 116 or anydevices coupled to the shroud 82. The hot shoe 62 or the track node 34may be configured to step down the voltage supplied by the power source28 to the voltage required by the track accessory 16 or top accessory116. In some embodiments, the hot shoe 62 allows a relatively highdistributed voltage to flow through the electrical connector 26 and atleast one of the track node 34, the electrical connector 26, and thetrack accessory 16 steps down the voltage as necessary such thatmultiple accessories with different voltage requirements can be attachedto the rail 12 simultaneously.

Still referring to FIGS. 16-20 , the hot shoe 62 of power source mount60 may include a first bracket 66. The first bracket 66 may include afirst recess 68. The first recess 68 may be configured to receive afirst protrusion 70 on the power source 28 (FIG. 20 ). In oneembodiment, the first bracket 66 may define a threaded opening 104 (FIG.18 ) configured to receive at least a portion of fastener 103 (FIG. 20 )of power source.

The hot shoe 62 may include a second bracket 72. The second bracket 72may include a second recess 74. The second recess 74 may be configuredto receive a second protrusion 76 on the power source 28. A major lengthof the first recess 68 may extend along an axis that is generallyperpendicular to a rear surface (not shown) of the hot shoe 62. A majorlength of the second recess 74 may extend along an axis that is angled(e.g., downwardly and inwardly) relative to a rear surface of the hotshoe 62. The second bracket 72 may include a lip 73 that extendsoutwardly along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the rearsurface of hot shoe 62.

The power source 28 may translate relative to the hot shoe 62 (e.g.,downwardly and inwardly) until the second protrusion 76 is seated withinthe second recess 74 and a portion of a bottom surface of the powersource 28 rests on the lip 73. The power source 28 may then be rotated(e.g., about an axis parallel to the rear surface of the hot shoe 62)such that the first protrusion 70 moves into the first recess 68. Thefirst protrusion 70 may move horizontally or nearly horizontally intothe first recess 68. The offset orientation of the first protrusion 70and the second protrusion 76 may help prevent accidental dislodgement ofthe power source 28 when it is coupled to the hot shoe 62. The hot shoe62 may include two first recesses 68 on diametrically opposed sides ofthe hot shoe 62. The hot shoe 62 may include two second recesses 74 ondiametrically opposed sides of the hot shoe 62.

Once the power source 28 is coupled to the hot shoe 62, fastener 103 ofthe power source 28 may be aligned with threaded opening 104 of hot shoe62. The fastener 103 may be coupled to a first knob 105 such that a usercan rotate the first knob 105 to threadably couple or decouple fastener103 to threaded opening 104. When the fastener 103 is threadably coupledto threaded opening 104, the power source 28 may be locked to the hotshoe 62. The power source 28 may include contacts (e.g. contacts 92)configured to couple to electrical interface 64 of hot shoe 62 therebyproviding at least one of a power connection and/or data connection toaccessories coupled to the helmet accessory mounting system 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 16 and 20 , the power source 28 may include abattery housing 106 for receiving batteries and various electrical andcontrol components associated with the power source 28, as describedbelow. The battery housing 106 may include a battery door 107 rotatablycoupled to the battery housing 106. The batteries received in thebattery housing 106 may be rechargeable batteries.

The power source 28 may also include a battery door latch 108 forholding the battery doors 107 closed. The battery door latch 108 may berotatable such that it can move between a first orientation, as shown inFIG. 20 , where the battery doors 107 are held closed, and a secondorientation, not shown, where the battery doors 107 can be opened. Thebattery door latch 108 may be a knob. The battery door latch 108 may bemechanically coupled to a button 109 that when depressed allows forrotation of the battery door latch 108. The battery door latch 108 andbutton 109 may be manually operated by an operator. The battery doorlatch 108 may be limited in the amount it can be rotated to allow forsimple operation of the battery door latch 108 between a locked andunlocked orientation (e.g., between the first and second orientation).The battery door latch 108 may be limited to be rotated about ±90degrees. The battery door latch 108 may be configured to remove anydebris away during rotation between orientations to prevent any trappedmaterial from limiting rotation of the battery door latch 108.

The button 109 may provide a level of safety by requiring an operator todepress the button 109 from an extended position to a depressed positionbefore being able to rotate the battery door latch 108 into an unlockedorientation. The battery door latch 108 may be configured to retain thebutton 109 in the depressed orientation when the battery door latch 108is in an unlocked orientation. For example, when the battery door latch108 is in the unlocked position, a portion of the battery door latch 108may cover the button 109 such that the button cannot return to theextended position. The button 109 may be spring loaded such that whenthe battery door latch 108 is rotated into the locked orientation thebutton 109 may return from a depressed position to an extended positionto allow for simple operation of locking the battery doors 107. Thebutton 109 may include drain holes, not shown, beneath the button toallow for fluids and debris trapped within the button to beautomatically removed.

The battery housing 106 may include at least one spring, not shown, suchthat when batteries are loaded into the battery housing 106 and thebattery doors 107 are closed the spring is depressed and the batteriesare spring-loaded. Spring loading the batteries within battery housing106 may cause the battery doors 107 to open automatically at leastpartially when the battery door latch 108 is rotated into the unlockedorientation.

Accessories, (e.g., top accessories 116, track accessories 16, shroudaccessory 19, communication mount 17) may still draw a level of powerfrom power source 28 even when the accessories are not in use.Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a toggle such that the powersource 28 may be toggled between providing or not providing power to thehelmet accessory mounting system 10 and any accessories attachedthereto. The power source 28 may include a switch 130 (FIG. 16 )configured to toggle the power source 28 between an “On” and “Off” statesuch that the power source 28 may be toggled to provide or not providepower to the helmet accessory mounting system 10. In the “On” state, thepower source 28 is electrically coupled to the rails 12, shroud 82, andany accessories attached thereto, as described above. In the “Off”state, the power source 28 is electrically decoupled from the rails 12,shroud 82, and any accessories attached thereto such that none of theaccessories, rails 12, and shroud 82 are able to draw power from powersource 28.

Alternatively, the power source 28 may be mounted on a differentsurface, such as a user's clothing or accessories such as a belt orbackpack, and electrically coupled to the mounting device. In someembodiments, the power source 28 may include a charging port orreceptacle configured to receive a charging cord or plug to charge atleast one of a rechargeable battery housed within the battery housing106.

In some embodiments, the power source 28 may include a receiver coil160. The receiver coil 160 is configured to accept power wirelessly froma source coil (not shown). The receiver coil 160 is coupled to the powersource 28 so as to charge the power source 28 upon receiving the powerfrom the source coil. The receiver coil 160 may be disposed on orembedded in the battery housing 106 in some embodiments. Alternatively,or additionally, the receiver coil 160 may be disposed on other portionsof the power source mount 60.

It will be appreciated that embodiments including the receiver coil 160for receiving power to charge the power source 28 may additionallyinclude a charging circuit (not explicitly shown) for converting thepower received by the receiver coil 160 in a form that can efficientlycharge the power source 28. For example, the frequency of power receivedby the receiver coil 160 may be converted to a lower or higher frequencyto enable efficient charging of the power source 28. Alternately, thepower received by the receiver coil 160 may be converted from AC to DCin some embodiments.

The source coil may be provided on or in a platform such as, forexample, a charging blanket or a charging pad in some embodiments. Insuch embodiments, an operator wearing the helmet 14 may remove thehelmet 14 and place it on the platform such that the source coil of theplatform couples with the receiver coil 160 to form a transformer forwireless power transfer to the receiver coil 160, which in turn chargesthe power source 28. Alternately or additionally, the source coil may beprovided adjacent to a seat where the operator wearing the helmet 14 maysit. In such embodiments, the operator need not remove the helmet 14 inorder for the receiver coil 160 to receive power from the source coil.The seat of the operator may be in a vehicle such as, for example, atransport vehicle or a transport aircraft. In some embodiments, thesource coil may be configured to initiate power transfer to the receivercoil 160 when the operator is seated in a certain position on the seat.

The source coil, in some embodiments, may draw power from a stable powersource such as a battery of a vehicle, a generator or a grid-connectedpower source.

In some embodiments, the power source 28 may be coupled to a largerbattery pack (not explicitly shown) provided to the operator, e.g., in avest worn by the operator. Such arrangement allows the operator torecharge the power source 28 when needed using the battery pack withouthaving to take the helmet 14 off, thereby allowing the operator toobtain uninterrupted power for the accessories during a mission.

In some embodiments, the power source 28 may be coupled to an energyharvesting device such as, for example, a photovoltaic generator. Thephotovoltaic generator may be disposed on the helmet itself, or in someembodiments, woven into the fabric of the operator's clothes. In atleast one embodiment, the energy harvesting device (e.g., provided inthe soles of the operator's footwear) may be configured to harvestenergy from the operator's movements. In some embodiments, the energyharvesting device may be a hand crank which can generate electric powerthat can recharge the power source 28.

Referring to FIGS. 23A-24 , another exemplary embodiment of a helmetaccessory mounting system 10′ is shown. The helmet accessory mountingsystem 10′ may be similar to the helmet accessory mounting system 10, asdescribed above except as shown and described below. The rails 12′ maybe generally the same as rails 12 as described above, except that theymay not include any top nodes 110. The rails 12′ may include at leastone groove (not shown) for receiving electrical connector 26. The rails12′ may couple to a power source mount 60′ such that electricalconnector 26 and a power source 28′ are electrically coupled. The powersource mount 60′ may be similar to the power source mount 60 shown inFIG. 18 except that it may not include the adjustment mechanism shown inFIG. 19 . Additionally, the power source mount 60′ may have electricalinterface 64′ that functions generally the same as electrical interface64, except that electrical interface 64′ may have a different contactlayout 92′. The power source mount 60′ may also include a hot shoe 62′configured to couple to a power source 28′.

Still referring to FIGS. 23A-24 , the hot shoe 62′ and power source 28′may include different attachment features than the power source 28 andhot shoe 62 shown in FIGS. 18 and 20 . The hot shoe 62′ may include afirst bracket 66′ which defines a receiver 167 (FIG. 23C) configured toreceive at least a portion of a latch 171 on a power source 28′ (FIG. 24). The latch 171 may be deflected as the power source 28′ is coupled tothe hot shoe 62′. The latch 171 may engage with the receiver 167 whenthe power source 28′ is coupled to the hot shoe 62′ such that the powersource 28′ is locked onto the hot shoe 62′. The power source 28′ mayinclude a toggle 175 configured to be engaged by a user to move thelatch 171 from an engaging position to a release position such that thepower source 28′ may be decoupled from hot shoe 62′.

The hot shoe 62′ may include a second bracket 72′ that is similar tosecond bracket 72 except that bracket 72′ may not include lip 73. Thepower source 28′ may include a battery housing 106′ and battery door107′. The battery housing 106′ may function generally the same asbattery housing 106, except that it may have a generally smaller widththan battery housing 106. The battery door 107′ may be one piece and maybe removeably coupled to battery housing 106 by knob 111.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 9 , an exemplary embodiment of a shroud(e.g., shroud 82) and shroud connector (shroud connector 84) are shown.The shroud 82 may include openings to allow fasteners (e.g., shroudfasteners 85) to pass through the shroud 82. The shroud 82 may becoupled to a front of the helmet 14 by shroud fasteners 85 that extendthrough at least a portion of the shroud and front surface of the helmet14. The shroud fasteners 85 may extend through an outer surface ofhelmet 14 to an inner surface of helmet 14. The shroud 82 may beconfigured to couple to a device (e.g., night vision goggle, heads updisplay, or camera). The shroud 82 may be configured to couple to ashroud accessory 19. The shroud 82 may carry augmented reality data orvideo interface from a system (e.g., a thermal mounted weapon system) toa night vision goggle or heads up display.

The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may provide a system forattaching accessories to a helmet and providing power to the accessories(e.g., track accessories 16, top accessories 116, communication mount17, shroud accessory 19) without any exposed cables. The rail 12 mayinclude grooves or tracks along the inner surface 132 configured toreceive cables (e.g., electrical connector 26, cable 124) which providepower to the accessories.

The rail 12 may be manufactured from an electrically insulatingmaterial. In some embodiments, the rail 12 is manufactured from filledor unfilled nylon, polymer and composite materials, carbon fiber,glass-filled nylon, or three-dimensional printed materials. The rail 12may be skeletonized to allow connectors such as, for example, zip tiesto be coupled to the rail. In some embodiments, a skeletonized railincludes more openings on different surfaces of the rail to provideadditional spaces where a connector (e.g., a zip tie) can be coupled tothe rail. The rail 12 may be configured such that electronic components(e.g., connectors 26, cable 124) are exposed on the inner surface 132 ofrail 12 and closed off by the outer surface 32 for assembly purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, 9, 16 and 21 , the helmet accessory mountingsystem 10 may include an electrical supply line (e.g., electricalconnector 26) which is electrically coupled to a power supply (e.g.,power source 28). The electrical connector 26 may also provide a datacommunication path between the power source 28 and accessories (e.g.,track accessories 16, top accessories 116, and communication mount 17)to allow data to be transferred between the accessories and power source28. The electrical connector 26 may also provide a path for commands orcontrols sent from the power source 28 to corresponding accessories inorder to cause the corresponding accessory to perform some action. Theelectrical connector 26 may be at least partially contained within therail 12. The electrical connector 26 may electrically couple the powersource 28 to a plurality of nodes (e.g., track nodes 34, top nodes 110)which are spaced at various positions around the helmet 14. Theelectrical connector 26 may be configured to be electrically connectedto a track accessory 16 and a power source 28. The electrical connector26 may be configured to be electrically connected to a top accessory 116and power source 28. The electrical connector 26 may be a ribbon cable,a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, a connection circuit, a flex PCB,a conduit for electricity and data, or one or more wires.

The power source 28 may be a battery or battery pack. The power source28 may provide power to the electrical connector 26. The power source 28may receive power from a body worn device (not shown but could be e.g.,a battery) and transfer the power to the electrical connector 26. Theelectrical connector 26 may be positioned below or behind an outersurface 32 of the rail 12. The electrical connector 26 may be positionedbetween an outer surface of the helmet 14 and an inner surface 132 ofthe rail 12. The inner surface 132 of the rail 12 may include a firstgroove 22 or recess to receive the electrical connector 26. Theelectrical connector 26 may extend the length of the rail 12. Theelectrical connector 26 may be positioned under the track 18. Theelectrical connector 26 may include one or more power supply lines. Theelectrical connector 26 may function as a data transmission line andinclude one or more data lines. The power source 28 may send or receivedata to or from a top accessory 116, communication mount 17, or trackaccessory 16 through the electrical connector 26. The power source 28may send or receive data from a track accessory 16, top accessory 116,or communication mount 17 without providing power to the same accessory.

The data line in the electrical connector 26 may allow accessories(e.g., track accessories 16, top accessories 116, and communicationmount 17) to communicate with one another. For example, a trackaccessory 16 coupled to a first track node 34 which is coupled toelectrical connector 26 may transfer data to a track accessory 16 and/ora top accessory 116 (FIG. 8 ) coupled to a different node which is alsocoupled to the electrical connector 26. The track node 34 may beelectrically coupled to the electrical connector 26. The track node 34may include a circuit board 88. The circuit board 88 may be a flexibleprinted circuit board (PCB). The track node 34 may be configured toregulate voltage (e.g., step down relatively high distributed voltagefrom the power source 28). The helmet accessory mounting system 10 mayinclude a plurality of nodes 34. One or more nodes 34 may be coupled tothe rail 12.

Still referring to FIGS. 4-5, 9, 16 and 21 , the helmet accessorymounting system 10 may include a cable 124 at least partially within atleast one rail 12. The cable 124 may be configured to be electricallyconnected to a shroud accessory 19 and power source 28. The shroudaccessory 19 shown in FIGS. 1A-2 is a pair of night vision goggles(“NVG”), however additional or other accessories (e.g., visors, faceshields) may be coupled to shroud 82 or shroud connector 84. The cable124 may be a ribbon cable, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, or oneor more wires. The power source 28 may provide power to the cable 124.The power source 28 may receive power from a body worn device, asdescribed herein, and transfer the power to the cable 124. At least aportion of the cable 124 may be positioned below or behind an outersurface 32 of the rail 12. The cable 124 may be positioned between anouter surface of the helmet 14 and an inner surface 132 of the rail 12.The inner surface 132 of the rail 12 may include a second groove 24 orrecess to receive the cable 124. The cable 124 may extend the length ofthe rail 12. The cable 124 may be positioned under the track 18. Thecable 124 may include one or more power supply lines. The cable 124 mayinclude one or more data lines. The power source 28 may send or receivedata from the shroud accessory 19 through the cable 124. The powersource 28 may send or receive data from the shroud accessory 19 withoutproviding power to the shroud accessory 19. In some embodiments, theshroud accessory 19 may receive at least one of a power and dataconnection from electrical connector 26.

Still referring to FIGS. 4-5, 9, 16, and 21 , the cable 124 may becoupled to a shroud connector 84 configured to receive an interim cable144 from a shroud accessory 19. In at least one embodiment, shroudconnector 84 may allow power and data to be transferred from a powersource (power source 28, or power source 28′) to an accessory (e.g.,shroud accessory 19) coupled to shroud 82. The shroud connector 84 maybe detachably coupled to a receiving area 122 in rail 12 (FIG. 9 ). Theshroud connector 84 may be integrally formed with cable 124. The shroudconnector 84 may include an opening configured to receive a fastener 81used to couple a corresponding rail 12 to helmet 14. In FIG. 9 , thereceiving area 122 is on the left mounted rail 12; however, the rightmounted rail 12 may also include a receiving area 122. The receivingarea 122 may provide improved stability for shroud connector 84 when theshroud connector 84 is coupled to the rail 12. Cable 124 may extendalong rail 12 and connect to power source 28 such that data and powercan be transferred between power source 28 and shroud connector 84.

The shroud connector 84 may extend from a corresponding rail, along afront portion of helmet 14 and couple to an accessory coupled to theshroud 82. In one embodiment, the shroud connector 84 may be an overmoldthat is held in place via the receiving area 122 of rail 12 (FIG. 1A).The shroud connector 84 may be generally rigid and define a channel forwires or cables (e.g., cable 124) to pass through. The shroud connector84 may be pliable such that a user may bend or flex the shroud connector84 into various orientations. The shroud connector 84 may be shaped toencircle a portion of the front of the helmet 14. The shroud connector84 may have an integrated power and data receptacle 150 to allow forconnection of an interim cable 144 from shroud accessory 19 to anaccessory coupled to shroud 82. The type of interim cable 144 shown inFIGS. 1A-1C is dependent upon the type of shroud accessory 19. Sometypes of interim cable 144 may include: a coaxial cable, a USB cable, acircular connector, a USB-C cable, a visual augmentation system (VAS)cable, or a push-pull connector such as a connector produced by FischerConnector™.

In another embodiment, not shown, the shroud connector 84 may include acover that protects and holds the overmolded receptacle 150 in placerelative the shroud 82. The cover may be configured to allow a shroudfastener 85 to pass through the cover and shroud 82 such that the coveris held in place relative the shroud 82.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 10, and 22C, the track node 34, top node 110 orelectrical connector 26 may include a switch in the electrical transferline and/or in the data transfer line such that no voltage potentialsare present on externally exposed track node contacts 35 and top nodecontacts 114. The track node contacts 35 and top node contacts 114 mayhave a contact surface that is exposed through an outer surface of therail 12. The switch may allow power or data to flow through the tracknode contacts 35 and top node contacts 114 only when the switch isclosed. The switch may be closed when a track accessory 16 or topaccessory 116 is coupled to a corresponding track node contact 34 or topnode contact 114 on the rail 12. The switch may prevent current flowbetween the node contacts 35 and top node contacts 114 even if the nodecontacts 35 or top node contacts 114 are shorted by an external object(e.g., metal, mud, water, or debris). The power source 28 may only beactivated when the switch is closed. A power source 28 that is onlyactivated at selected times may reduce power consumption and reduce wearor corrosion of the system. In some embodiments, the power source 28 mayalways be in a powered state and the rail system (e.g. rails 12, sensor56, electrical connector 26) may be configured to selectively providepower to track nodes 34 and/or top nodes 110 when a corresponding sensor56 detects the presence of a magnet 119, as discussed below. A powersource 28 that is configured to selectively provide power to individualnodes may also reduce power consumption and reduce wear or corrosion ofthe helmet accessory mounting system 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 6, 10 and 22C, the helmet accessory mountingsystem 10 may include one or more sensors 56 configured to detect thepresence of, or a condition associated with the presence of, accessoriescoupled to the helmet accessory mounting system 10. The sensor 56 may beconfigured to sense the presence of one or more magnets 119 embedded inthe tooth 58, or alignment feature 118 (FIGS. 7, 11, and 13 ) on a trackaccessory 16, top accessory 116, or communication mount 17. The sensor56 may be configured to sense when the track accessory 16 and/or topaccessory 116 is physically coupled to the rail 12. The sensor 56 may beconfigured to sense when the track accessory 16, top accessory 116,and/or communication mount 17 is electrically connected to the tracknode 34. The sensor 56 may be configured to sense a condition (e.g., amagnetic field, temperature) associated with the track accessory 16, topaccessory 116, and/or communication mount 17. The sensor 56 may activatethe switch when the sensor senses the presence, or condition of thepresence, of the track accessory 16, top accessory 116, and/orcommunication mount 17. In some embodiments, the sensor 56 activates aswitch in the data transfer line and the track accessory 16, topaccessory 116, and/or communication mount 17 is a smart accessory thatsends a signal requesting power from the power source 28. The powersource 28 may be configured to not provide power to a corresponding node(e.g., track node 34, top node 110) when a magnet 119 is not sensed by acorresponding sensor 56, as discussed below.

In some embodiments, the sensor 56 is a Hall Effect sensor. In someembodiments, the Hall Effect sensor 56 may provide different signalsbased on an arrangement and a number of the magnets 119 so as to providean identification of the accessory (or the type of accessory) connectedto the track node 34 in addition to the condition, presence or acondition associated with the presence of the accessory. In otherembodiments, the sensor 56 is a reed switch, optical sensor (e.g., aninfrared sensor), RFID sensor, or a contact switch.

Some accessories may include internal magnetic switches configured todetect the presence of additional magnets (not shown) which magnet 119may interfere with. Therefore, it may be desirable to embed magnets 119of different strengths into the different accessories as described abovesuch that they do not interfere with any internal magnetic switches.

The helmet accessory mounting system 10 may include controllersassociated with the power source 28 or nodes configured to respond todifferent magnetic field strengths. The power source 28, track nodes 34,and/or top nodes 110 may be adjustably configured to respond to thedifferent strengths of magnetic fields detected by sensors 56, which arespaced along the rails as discussed above. The power source 28 and/ornodes, may be configured to detect different magnetic field strengths attwo or more sensors 56 coupled to the helmet accessory mounting system10. For example, the power source 28 and/or the nodes, may be configuredto respond to a first range of magnetic field strengths detected by asensor 56 positioned in a top node 110 at the front of rail 12.Additionally, the power source 28 and/or the nodes, may be configured torespond to a second range of magnetic field strengths, which isdifferent from the first range of magnetic field strengths, by a sensor56 positioned along a rear end of track 18.

In some embodiments, the helmet accessory mounting system 10 may includea receiver for receiving signals from an end-user device. The receivermay include an antenna and a signal processor to receive the signalsfrom the end-user device and process the signals (e.g., audio signals)and direct them to an appropriate accessory (e.g., the earcups). In someembodiments, the receiver may be fixedly coupled to the rail. In someembodiments, the receiver may be detachably or releasably coupled to therail as an accessory.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the track node 34 may include one or more pins orcontacts (e.g., track node contacts 35). The track node contacts 35 maybe positioned along at least one imaginary reference line. The tracknode contacts 35 may include at least two contacts (e.g., first datacontact and second data contact 42) placed along an imaginary first line152. The track node contacts 35 may additionally include at least twocontacts (e.g., first electrical contact 36, and second electricalcontact 38) placed along an imaginary second line 154. The imaginarysecond line 154 may bisect the imaginary first line 152. The nodecontacts 35 may be arranged in a generally T-shaped pattern. The nodecontacts 35 may include a first electrical contact 36 (e.g., a positiveelectrical contact) and a second electrical contact 38 (e.g., a negativeelectrical contact). The first electrical contact 36 and the secondelectrical contact 38 may be configured to receive or engage anelectrical connector (e.g., a pogo pin) on the track accessory 16. Theelectrical connector 26 may include an electrical transfer lineconfigured to electrically connect the power source 28 to the firstelectrical contact 36 and the second electrical contact 38. The nodecontacts 35 may include a first data contact 40. The node contacts 35may include a second data contact 42. The electrical connector 26 mayinclude a data transfer line configured to transfer data from the trackaccessory 16 to at least one of another accessory, a processor, and asmart power source. The data transfer line may, for example, include atwisted pair cable, an impedance controlled flexcable, or a coaxialcable. Other data transfer lines known in the art are contemplatedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 6 , at least one of the node contacts 35 may beexposed through the outer surface 32 of the rail 12. In someembodiments, an outer surface of at least one of the node contacts 35 issubstantially flush with the outer surface 32 of the rail 12. The nodecontacts 35, and corresponding accessory contacts, may be a planarsurface. In one embodiment, the planar surface of the node contacts 35extends further from the outer surface 32. In another embodiment, theplanar surface of the node contact 35 is flush with the outer surface32. In another embodiment, the planar surface of the node contact 35 isrecessed relative to the outer surface 32. In other embodiments, anouter surface of at least one of the node contacts 35 is recessed fromthe outer surface 32 of the rail 12 such that the track accessory 16 isplugged into the rail opening 30. The outer surface of the track node 34and the node contacts 35 may form a waterproof seal with the outersurface 32 of the rail 12. The track node 34 may be coupled to rail 12via adhesive or weld to seal any gaps between the track node 34 and therail 12 in the rail opening 30. The node contacts 35 of track node 34may be spaced apart from each other by between about 0.1 inches andabout 0.140 inches. The node contacts 35 may be spaced apart from eachother by about 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, inches, orabout 01.40 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, and 22C the helmet accessory mounting system 10may include a plurality of top nodes 110 as described above. The topnodes 110 may include one or more pins or contacts (e.g., top nodecontacts 114). The top node contacts 114 may include at least twocontacts (e.g., first data contact 40, and second data contact 42)placed along an imaginary first line 152. The node contacts 114 mayadditionally include at least two contacts (e.g. first electricalcontact 36, and second electrical contact 38) placed along an imaginarysecond line 154. The imaginary second line 154 may bisect the imaginaryfirst line 152.

At least one top node may include a threaded recess (e.g., threadedrecess 113) configured to receive a fastener from an accessory (e.g.,top accessory 116). The top nodes 110 may be configured to provide atleast one of an electrical contact and a data contact between theelectrical connector 26 and a top accessory 116 coupled to top node 110.Each rail 12 may include at least one top node 110 positioned along atop surface 13 of the rail 12. Each top node 110 may include top nodecontacts 114, alignment receivers 112, and threaded receivers 113. Thetop node contacts 114 may function substantially the same as the nodecontacts 35 of track nodes 34 as discussed above with reference to FIG.6 . Top node contacts 114 may have a T-shaped arrangement similar to thearrangement of track node contacts 35. The spacing between the top nodecontacts 114 may be smaller than the spacing between track node contacts35. The spacing between the top node contacts 114 may be about 0.1inches. Alignment receivers 112 and threaded receivers 113 may berecessed within top node 110 and configured to receive a correspondingalignment feature of a top accessory 116 as discussed below. Alignmentreceivers 112 and threaded receivers 113 may be fixed relative the topnode contacts 114. At least one alignment receiver 112 may include asensor 56. The sensor 56 may be a Hall Effect sensor.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, the electrical connector 26 may include aplurality of plates 27 configured to couple the top nodes 110 to theelectrical connector 26. The plate 27 may allow at least one of a powerand data connection between electrical connector 26 and a top node 110as discussed below. The top nodes 110 may have a bottom surface (notshown) configured to receive plate 27. The bottom surface of top nodes110 may be configured to couple to a shield 138. The shield 138 may besnap-fit to the bottom surface of top node 110. The plate 27 may bepositioned between the bottom surface of top node 110 and the shield 138when the shield is coupled to top node 110 such that the plate 27 isheld in place relative the top node 110. The top nodes 110 may includean overmold 142 coupled to the top node 110. The overmold 142 may besized to fit within top opening 148 in rail 12. The overmold 142 may beconfigured to provide mechanical retention of top node 110 when the topnode 110 is coupled to rail 12. The overmold 142 may be configured toprovide environmental protection and/or sealing for the top node 110 toprotect the top node 110 from environmental hazards (e.g., water orother liquids).

Referring to FIG. 22C, the top node 110 may include two sets ofreceiving features 112 and threaded features 113 on either side of topnode contacts 114. The receiving features 112 and corresponding threadedfeatures 113 may be spaced apart by a first distance (x₀) or by a seconddistance (x₁). In one embodiment, the distances x₀ and x₁ are not equal.By providing spacing between receiving features 112 and 113 that are notequal on both sides of the top node contacts 114, a user is preventedfrom attaching an accessory (e.g., a top accessory 116) in the wrongorientation.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11-14B, some accessories (e.g., trackaccessories 16, top accessories 116, communication mount 17) may includeaccessory connectors (e.g., first accessory connector 44, or secondaccessory connector 45) configured to couple the track accessories totrack 18 of rail 12. The accessory connectors may include across-sectional shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of therail 12. In some embodiments, the track accessory 16 may be snap fitinto engagement with the rail 12. In other embodiments, the accessoryconnectors may be configured such that the track accessory 16 can movealong a length of the rail 12 while the accessory connector is coupledto the rail 12.

Each accessory connector may be received within the track 18 of the rail12. Each accessory connector may include a rear face 48. The rear face48 may be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the rail 12 when theaccessory connector is coupled to the rail 12. The track accessory 16may include one or more wings 50 engageable by a user to disengage theaccessory connector from the rail 12. In some embodiments, the accessoryconnector and the track accessory 16 are a unitary construction. Inother embodiments, the accessory connector is detachable from the trackaccessory 16. The accessory connector may be designed to couple todifferent accessories (e.g., a battery pack, a light, a camera, astrobe). The accessory connector may be disengaged from the rail 12 bygrasping the wings 50 and pulling or applying a torsional force to thewing 50 away from the rail 12.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 11, 13, and 15A-15B, accessories (e.g., topaccessory 116, track accessory 16) may include one or more pins orcontacts (e.g., electrical contacts 46, data contacts 54) configured tocouple to corresponding node contacts (e.g., track node contacts 35, topnode contacts 114). The above-mentioned accessories may include at leastone of accessory electrical contacts 46 and accessory data contacts 54.The data contacts 54 may be positioned along the imaginary first line152. The electrical contacts 46 may be positioned along the imaginarysecond line 154. The imaginary second line 154 may bisect the imaginaryfirst line 152. The electrical contacts 46 and data contacts 54 may bearranged in a generally T-shaped pattern. The above-mentioned contactsmay be spaced about a spacing surface and an elastomeric seal may bedisposed on the spacing surface, surrounding the contacts. The accessorydata contacts 54 may electrically couple to the first data contact 40and the second data contact 42 of the track node 34. The data contacts54 may be pogo pins.

In some embodiments, the accessories include accessory electricalcontacts 46 and accessory data contacts 54. For example, the accessoriesmay include a total of eight contacts including the electrical contacts46 and the data contacts 54, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, with thecontacts being disposed in two columns of three contacts each and acolumn of two contacts between the columns with three contacts andoffset from the three contacts in the two columns. Other arrangementsare contemplated. The eight contacts may correspond to, without beingparticularly limited to the configuration, two electrical contacts 46,two data contacts 54 (e.g., data lines data link_P and data link_N), andfour audio signal contacts 55. In such embodiments, the four audiocontact signals provide a dedicated high-speed bus between the left andright earcups of a connected headset, providing both the means ofpassing multiple channels of full bandwidth audio back and forth, butalso maintaining a synchronous clock between the two earcups.

In some embodiments, the accessories may include one or more coaxialpogo pins in the battery pack hot shoe to enable radio frequency (RF)connections between the battery pack and the hot shoe. Suchconfiguration may enable an antenna for the wireless radio for a batterypack capable of wireless communication to be housed within the railinfrastructure. Advantageously, the coaxial arrangement enablesmaintenance a continuous shield around RF signals, preventing the RFsignals from contaminating nearby lower frequency signals.

In other embodiments, track accessory 16, top accessory 116, and/orcommunication mount 17 include only one of accessory electrical contacts46 and accessory data contacts 54. The accessory electrical contacts 46and accessory data contacts 54 may form a pattern that allows a user tovisually identify the accessory electrical contacts 46 from theaccessory data contacts 54. In some embodiments, the accessoryelectrical contacts 46 and the accessory data contacts 54 form aT-shaped pattern. In some embodiments, the accessory data contacts 54form the vertical portion of the T-shape and the accessory electricalcontacts 46 form the horizontal portion of the T-shape. In otherembodiments, the accessory data contacts 54 form the horizontal portionof the T-shape and the accessory electrical contacts 46 form thevertical portion of the T-shape. In some embodiments, the accessorycontacts and corresponding node contacts may have a different shape thanmentioned above, which is mirrored about a first axis and asymmetricalabout a second axis (e.g., Y-shape, arrow shape).

Mounting features of top accessory 116 a are shown in FIG. 7A. Mountingfeatures of top accessories 116 b-c may include the same mountingfeatures and, for the sake of brevity, are not shown. It will beunderstood that the following description of the mounting features ofthe top accessories 116 applies to top accessories 116 a-c. Topaccessories 116 may be configured to mechanically and electricallycouple to corresponding top nodes 110 of rail 12. Top accessories 116may include electrical contacts 46, data contacts 54, alignmentprotrusions 118 and fasteners 120 extending outwardly from a bottomsurface of top accessory 116. The electrical contacts 46 and datacontacts 54 may have an alignment that matches the alignment of top nodecontacts 114. Alignment protrusions 118 may be shaped and spaced fromone another to match the shape and spacing of alignment receivers 112 oftop node 110. At least one alignment protrusion 118 may include a magnet119 configured to be detected by a sensor in the rail 12.

Fasteners 120 may be configured to be received within threaded receivers113 of top nodes 110. Fasteners 120 may be spaced to match the spacingof threaded receivers 113 of top node 110. Fasteners 120 may be at leastpartially threaded and include an engagement feature (not shown) toassist a user in rotating the fasteners 120. Top accessories 116 may bemechanically and electrically coupled to a corresponding top node 110 byaligning the fasteners 120 with threaded receivers 113 of top node 110and screwing the fasteners 120 into the threaded receivers 113 until thealignment protrusions 118, electrical contacts 46, and data contacts 54are fully received within corresponding receivers of top node 110. Thetop accessory 116 shown in FIG. 7A is a light, however additionalaccessories could also be attached to the helmet accessory mountingsystem 10.

Exemplary mounting features of track accessories 16 a-b are shown inFIGS. 11-14B. Track accessories 16 a-b may generally be referred to astrack accessories 16. The track accessories 16 may be configured to berotated or snap fit into the track 18 of the rail 12. The trackaccessories 16 may include an accessory connector (e.g., first accessoryconnector 44, second accessory connector 45) that may be sized anddimensioned to snap fit into the track 18. The accessory connectors(e.g., first accessory connector 44, second accessory connector 45) mayinclude one or more protrusions 51. The protrusion 51 may be positionedat least partially within the rail depression 31 when the trackaccessory 16 is coupled to the rail 12. The protrusions 51 may at leastpartially fix the position of the track accessory 16 relative to therail 12 when the protrusion 51 is within the rail depression 31.

The accessory connectors may be manufactured from a resilient material(e.g., rubber, flexible composite material, or nylon) such that theaccessory connector may elastically deform as the accessory connectordisengages from the rail 12. The accessory connector may return to itsoriginal shape after the accessory connector is disengaged from the rail12. The accessory connectors may also include a tooth 58 configured tobe detected by a sensor 56 in the rail 12, as explained in greaterdetail below. The tooth 58, or a magnet holder, may protrude away fromthe rear face of the accessory connector 44. The tooth 58 may extend atleast partially into the rail depression 31 when the track accessory 16is coupled to the rail 12. The tooth 58 may at least partially fix theposition of the track accessory 16 relative to the rail 12 when thetooth 58 is within the rail depression 31.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12B, two exemplary track accessories 16 a, and 16b are shown. Each track accessory 16 a-b includes a first accessoryconnector. The first accessory connector 44 (FIG. 11 ) may be coupled toa track accessory 16 a (FIG. 11 ) or track accessory 16 b (FIG. 12A).The first accessory connector 44 may be coupled to a rear face 48 of thetrack accessory 16 a-b. The first accessory connector 44 may include atleast two ribs 43 opposite from one another. In some embodiments, ribs43 may extend along the length of the first accessory connector 44. Theribs 43 may be configured to snap-fit into track 18 of rail 12. In oneembodiment, accessory electrical contacts 46 and tooth 58 of trackaccessory 16 a-b may be aligned with a corresponding track node 34 andrail opening 30 of rail 12. A first rib 43 may be inserted into track 18and the track accessory 16 a-b may be rotated (FIGS. 12A and 12B) intoplace such that the ribs 43 and first accessory connector 44 are bothreceived within track 18 and tooth 58 is received within a correspondingrail depression 31. In some embodiments, once the first accessoryconnector 44 is received within track 18, the accessory may be snappeddown to mechanically and electrically couple and lock the trackaccessory 16 to rail 12.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14B, a second accessory connector 45 (FIG. 13 ) iscoupled to a track accessory 16 b. The second accessory connector 45 maybe coupled to a rear face 48 of the track accessory 16 b. The firstaccessory connector 45 may include at least two ribs 43 opposite fromone another and two extended ribs 47 opposite from one another. The ribs43 may extend partially along the length of the second accessoryconnector 45 and terminate where the extended ribs 47 begin. The extendribs 47 may extend at least partially along the remainder of the lengthof the second accessory connector 45. The extended ribs 47 may beconfigured to be received at a terminal end 49 of track 18 and slidealong a length of track 18. In one embodiment, extended ribs 47 may passthrough terminal end 49 of track 18 and slide along a first portion ofthe length of track 18 until all mechanical and electrical features(e.g., protrusions 51, electrical connectors 46, and tooth 58) of thetrack accessory 16 are aligned with corresponding mating features (e.g.,rail depression 31, and track node 34). The end of the track accessory16 opposite the extended ribs 47 may be held at an angle relative thetrack 18 while sliding the extended ribs 47 along the length of thetrack 18 (FIG. 14A). Once the mechanical and electrical features arealigned, the track accessory 16 may be rotated such that the ribs 43 areat least partially received within track 18. Once the ribs 43 arereceived within track 18, the track accessory 16 b may be snapped downinto place such that it is mechanically and electrically coupled to therail 12 and is locked in place. In some embodiments, the track accessory16 may be removed from rail 12 by reversing the steps for mechanicallyand electrically coupling the track accessory 16 to rail 12.

In some embodiments, the track accessories 16 a-b shown in FIGS. 11-14Bmay be removed from rail 12 by reversing the steps for mechanically andelectrically coupling the corresponding track accessory 16 to rail 12.Each track accessory 16 may include wings 50 positioned on oppositesides of the track accessory 16 to assist in coupling and decoupling thetrack accessory 16 from rail 12. For example, the wings 50 may providean area that a user can grab to assist in rotating and sliding the trackaccessory 16 relative to rail 12. In alternative embodiments,accessories (e.g. track accessories 16 or top accessories 116) mayinclude a spring loaded locking mechanism which, when operated, maycause the mechanical or electrical features explained above to attach ordetach from corresponding mounting features of the rail 12.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 the track node 34 may be positioned in the track18 such that the track accessory 16 may be electrically coupled to thetrack node 34 when the accessory connector 44 is received within thetrack 18. The track accessory 16 may be configured to be electricallyconnected to the track node 34 when the track accessory 16 is in a firstposition along the rail 12 and electrically disconnected from the tracknode 34 when the track accessory 16 is in a second position along therail 12. The track accessory 16 may include accessory electricalcontacts 46 (FIG. 7A) on the accessory connector 44 such that the trackaccessory 16 may be electrically connected to the track node 34 byaligning the accessory electrical contacts 46 with the first electricalcontact 36 and second electrical contact 38. The track accessory 16 maybe electrically disconnected from the track node 34 by misaligning theaccessory electrical contacts 46 from the first electrical contact 36and second electrical contact 38. The track accessory 16 may beelectrically disconnected from the track node 34 when a correspondingmagnet 119 in track node 16 is not detected by sensor 56. In someembodiments, the track accessory 16 may be electrically connected anddisconnected from the electrical connector 26 while the track accessory16 remains coupled to the rail 12. In other embodiments, the trackaccessory 16 is moved to a desired location along the rail 12 whileuncoupled to the rail 12 and then snap fit into engagement with the rail12. It will be understood that any of the track accessories describedherein may be coupled to any one of accessory mount 44 or accessorymount 45.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-B, an exemplary communication mount arm 17, orcommunication mount 17, is shown. The communication mount 17 may allowcommunication accessories (e.g., earcups, microphones, headsets) to becoupled to the accessory mounting system 10. The communication mount 17may include a mounting surface 126 configured to be snap-fit to track 18of rail 12 similar to the accessory mounts 44 and 45 described above.The mounting surface 126 may include contacts 127 configured to coupleto a node 34 on rail 12 as described above with reference to FIG. 7A.The contacts 127 may include electrical contacts 46, data contacts 54(FIG. 15B). The communication mount 17 may include a tooth and embeddedmagnet 119 configured to be received within a corresponding raildepression 31, similar to a track accessory 16.

The communication mount 17 may include an arm 128 configured to providea distance between an accessory mounted on mount arm 17 and rail 12. Thearm 128 may be adjustable in at least one direction. The arm 128 may berotatable about an axis, such that when the mounting surface 126 iscoupled to a rail, the arm 128 may be rotated without the mountingsurface 126 being decoupled from the rail. The arm 128 may include amount bracket 129 for receiving an accessory (e.g., a communicationdevice, an ear-cup). The mount bracket 129 may be rotatable in at leastone direction relative the mount arm 128. The mount bracket 129, mountarm 128, and mounting surface 126 may be configured to provide at leastone of an electrical and data connection between a corresponding node 34and an accessory attached to mounting bracket 129, when the contacts 127are coupled to node 34.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6 and 9-10 , the track node 34 and top node 110 mayinclude a node contact pattern defined by the position of the firstelectrical contact 36, the second electrical contact 38, the first datacontact 40, and the second data contact 42. The node contact pattern mayhave a layout complementary to the pattern of the accessory electricalcontacts 46 and the accessory data contacts 54. The node contact patternon the rail 12 on a first side of the helmet 14 (e.g., right side asshown in FIGS. 5-6 ) of the helmet 14 may have a first pattern (e.g., aninverted T).

The track node 34 may be rotated about axis D-D (FIG. 1 ) such that thenode contact pattern on the rail 12 on a second side of the helmet 14(e.g., left side as shown in FIGS. 9-10 ) is inverted compared to thenode contact pattern on the first side of the helmet 14. The inversionof the node contact pattern on the first and second side of the helmetmay allow direction dependent accessories (e.g., a forward facing light)to be correctly oriented whether the track accessory 16 is coupled tothe first side or second side of the helmet 14. In some embodiments, thenode contact pattern of the top nodes 110 may be the same across all topnodes 110. In other embodiments, at least one top node 110 may have aninverted or mirrored node contact pattern compared to the node contactpattern of the remainder of the top nodes 110.

Another exemplary embodiment of a shroud (e.g., shroud 82′) and shroudconnector (e.g., shroud connector 84′) is shown in FIGS. 23A-23C. Theshroud 82′ and shroud connector 84′ may be similar to the shroud 82 andshroud connector 84 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. The shroud 82′ may include ahot shoe (not shown) configured to provide at least one of an electricaland/or data connection between shroud 82′ and shroud connector 84′. Theshroud 82′ may include fewer openings configured to receive shroudfasteners 85 than shroud 82. The shroud connector 84′ may provide atleast one of an electrical and data connection between a shroudaccessory 19 and power source 28′ similar to shroud connector 84 andpower source 28.

In some embodiments, the shroud connector 84′ and shroud 82′ areseparate elements that may be coupled to each other. In otherembodiments, the shroud 82′ and the shroud connector 84′ are a unitaryconstruct. The shroud connector 84′ may extend along the front surfaceof helmet 14. The shroud 82′ may be coupled to the front of the shroudconnector 84′. The shroud connector 84′ may be positioned between theshroud 82′ and the helmet 14. The shroud connector 84′ may be coupled tothe rails 12′ on the left and right side of helmet 14. The shroudconnector 84′ may include a track (not shown) configured to receive thefastener 81 at a front of the rail 12′. The track may be elongated toallow the shroud connector 84′ to be coupled to different size helmetswith different distances the distance between the rails 12′. Thefastener 81 at the front of the rail 12′ may be coupled to the helmet 14using existing bolt holes 83 for the chinstrap (not shown). The shroudconnector 84′ may allow the shroud 82′ to be coupled to the helmet 14without any fasteners in the front of the helmet 14.

Still referring to FIGS. 23A-23C, the shroud connector 84′ may include achannel (not shown). The channel may be configured to receive a portionof electrical connector 26 to supply power or data transfer from powersource 28′. The channel may be behind a front face of the shroudconnector 84′. A hot shoe connection may electrically and physicallycouple the shroud connector 84′ to the rail 12′. The shroud connector84′ may include an aperture 188. The aperture 188 may extend through atop wall of the shroud connector 84′. A wire or electrical connector mayextend through the aperture 188 to connect to the device. The shroudconnector 84′ may include a plurality of openings (not shown). Theopenings may be spaced along a length of the shroud connector 84′. Theopenings may be configured to receive a plug 192. The plug 192 may becoupled to the rail 12′ by a fastener (not shown). The rail 12′ mayinclude a receiver 194 or rail fastener configured to couple to thefastener. The fastener may be a threaded fastener. The fastener maycouple the plug 192 to the receiver 194. The fastener may fix theposition of the plug 192 relative to the rail 12′. The plug 192 may beselectively positioned in any of the openings in the shroud connector84′ to adjust the effective length of the shroud connector 84′. A shroudconnector 84′ of adjustable length may allow a single shroud connector84′ design to be utilized with different size helmets. The shroudconnector 84′, rails 12′, and power source mount 60′ may form acontinuous element that encircles the helmet 14.

Referring to FIG. 25 , a plurality of accessory interface circuits (Node1 through Node N) and a smart battery power source (e.g., power source28 as shown in FIG. 1A) are electronically coupled through data andpower lines (also referred to as buses, contacts, conductors, and/orsignals). For example, Node 1 may refer to circuitry configured toprovide power and facilitate communications to and from a firstaccessory, and Node N may refer to circuitry configured to provide powerand facilitate communications to and from an Nth accessory. Exampleaccessories include track accessory 16 shown in FIG. 14A or topaccessory 116 shown in FIG. 1A. Each node includes an array ofelectrical contacts for facilitating power deliver and datacommunications.

At each node, power contacts 36 and 38 (corresponding to contacts 46shown in FIG. 7 ) provide power and ground signals to respectiveaccessories. Power signals are provided by a voltage bus VBUS outputtedby the power source 28. Availability of power signals at each node issubject to respective current limit, fuse, and/or switching operationsthat are implemented by power delivery circuit 204 (204-1 through204-N).

At each node, data contacts 40 and 42 (e.g., contacts 54 shown in FIG. 7) provide and receive data signals 202 (202-1 through 202-N) to and fromrespective accessories. data signals are directly or indirectly coupledto data lines data link_P and data link_N, respectively. In someimplementations, these data lines provide data communicationsimplemented by a serial communication standard (e.g., RS485). Signalsprovided to and received by the data contacts 40 and 42 may control orbe controlled by data communication circuit 206. Example datacommunication circuits include analog switches, which receive power froma power supply signal VDD outputted by the power source 28 and enable anaccessory connected to a respective node to exchange data with the smartbattery power source.

At each node, the power delivery circuit 204 (204-1 through 204-N) anddata communication circuit 206 (206-1 through 206-N) are enabled by theoutput of an enable circuit 208 (208-1 through 208-N). The input of theenable circuit 208 is coupled to a power supply signal VDD outputted bythe power source 28. The enable circuit 208 is configured to sense thepresence and/or absence of an accessory. In some implementations, theenable circuit includes a Hall Effect sensor, which senses the presenceof a magnetic field produced by a component of an accessory. Forexample, when the accessory is installed at the node, the Hall Effectsensor senses the accessory's presence due to the proximity of themagnetic field outputted by a magnetic component of the accessory. Insome embodiments, the Hall Effect sensor may also sense the type oridentity of the accessory as well as a condition associated with thepresence of the accessory.

Additional or alternative enable circuits 208 may be implemented withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein. Forexample, an enable circuit 208 may sense physical contact with anaccessory and output an enable signal based on the sensed physicalcontact. Regardless of the implementation for sensing whether anaccessory has been installed or is otherwise present, the enable circuit208 outputs an enable signal (e.g., a digital high signal, a digital lowsignal, or an analog signal) upon determining that an accessory has beeninstalled or is otherwise present. The enable signal is communicated tothe power delivery circuit 204 and data communication circuit 206,thereby causing each circuit to be enabled when an accessory isinstalled or otherwise present, and disabled when an accessory isremoved.

Referring to FIG. 26 , an example power delivery circuit 204 a (alsoreferred to as a current limiting circuit 204 a) and an example enablecircuit 208 (including a Hall Effect sensor) are described in accordancewith some embodiments.

The power delivery circuit 204 a may be in electrical communication withan accessory attached to the helmet (e.g., helmet 14 shown in FIG. 1A)and the smart battery power source (e.g., power source 28 shown in FIG.1A). As described in more detail below, the power delivery circuit 204may be configured to limit current provided to the attached accessory(e.g., track accessory 16 shown in FIG. 14A or top accessory 116 shownin FIG. 1A) to mitigate or prevent damage to the attached accessory.

The power delivery circuit 204 may include a current limiter integratedcircuit U3 and peripheral circuitry (R6 and/or C5) for controlling thecurrent limiter U3. Current limiter U3 may be any suitable integratedcircuit or combination of discrete circuit elements configured to sensean input current and limit an output current according to a specifiedlimiting factor. While this disclosure describes an integrated circuitconfigured as a current limiter (U3), this configuration (including thepin layout and peripheral circuitry) is depicted for illustrativepurposes and is in no way meant to limit the scope of the subjectdisclosure. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat alternative current limiting configurations may be implemented inorder to achieve the features described herein.

The current limiter U3 receives input voltage VBUS (also referred toherein as electrical power) from the power source 28 and delivers outputvoltage VNODE to an attached accessory (e.g., through power contacts 36and 38 as depicted in FIG. 25 ). The current limiter U3 measures thecurrent delivered to the attached accessory via the VNODE connection. Ifthe attached accessory draws more than a particular predeterminedthreshold of current, the current limiter U3 may throttle the amount ofcurrent provided to the attached accessory. The particular threshold maybe chosen based on one or more of: the application, power limits of theattached accessory, power source conditions (e.g., an amount ofremaining battery capacity), user safety, and so forth. The currentlimiter U3 increases an internal resistance (e.g., using a field effecttransistor (FET) in combination with one or more resistors) to an amountnecessary to maintain the current at, or below, the fixed threshold.When the accessory's demand for current returns to levels below thefixed threshold, the current limiter U3 restores the internal resistanceto its previous setting, thereby allowing normal operation of theaccessory to resume.

In some embodiments, a power FET of the current limiter is driven fullyon, or substantially on, when an enable signal at NODE_EN is driven to alogic high (i.e., when an accessory is present), and the power FET isdriven off, or substantially off, when the enable signal at NODE_EN isdriven to a logic low (i.e., when an accessory is absent).

In the on state, the power FET connects the helmet power supply (VBUS)and the power supply delivered to an individual accessory (VNODE) with avery low-resistance path, which allows current to flow to the individualaccessory corresponding to the respective power delivery circuit 204 a.VBUS may be distributed along the helmet rails 12 (e.g., helmet rail 12shown in FIG. 1A). In the off state, the power FET separates VBUS andVNODE with an extremely high impedance, which removes the power supplydelivered to the individual accessory corresponding to the respectivepower delivery circuit 204 a. In some embodiments, this switchingfunction may alternatively be performed by other integrated circuits orby discrete parts, such as a pass transistor and digital logic.

In some embodiments, the value of resistance R6 may be chosen to set adesired output current limit, also referred to as a current threshold ofthe current limiter. For example, resistance R6 may be increased to anamount necessary to maintain the current at, or below, a desiredthreshold. In some implementations, the current threshold is inverselyproportional to resistance R6. In some embodiments, the value ofcapacitor C5 may be chosen to set a desired output turn on slew rate.Controlling this slew rate is useful in limiting the output current to adesired threshold.

The current-limiting functions described above may alternatively beperformed by other integrated circuits or by discrete parts, such as aPNP transistor with emitter resistor feedback.

The current limiter U3 may include an additional feature that protectsthe current limiter from overheating. When the current limiter U3 isactivated, the increased internal resistance may cause the environmentaltemperature of the current limiter to increase rapidly. The increasingtemperature may damage the current limiter. To prevent such damage,current limiter U3 includes, in some implementations, a temperaturedetection circuit configured to detect the internal temperature of thecurrent limiter and shut off or otherwise disable the current limiter,or a component of the current limiter, in response to the internaltemperature reaching a threshold. This removes the accessory from thecurrent limiting circuit, permitting the current limiter to cool. Oncethe current limiter has cooled to a safe level, additional circuitry inthe current limiter re-enables any internal circuitry that may have beendisabled. If the same over-current condition exists (e.g., the internaltemperature reaches a threshold), the current limiter turns off againdue to the over-temperature condition. However, if the over-currentcondition has been resolved, the accessory may be turned back onautomatically via this mechanism.

FIG. 26 also illustrates an enable circuit 208. In some embodiments, theenable circuit includes a presence sensor U2 (e.g., a magnetic sensingcircuit including a Hall Effect sensor). The presence sensor U2activates and deactivates its output (e.g., asserts a digital high or adigital low voltage signal using an internal comparator) according tothe presence and absence of an accessory (e.g., an accessory including amagnet) in its vicinity. For example, the presence sensor U2 outputs aparticular voltage or current when a magnetic field above a certainmagnitude is detected. As an alternative to a Hall Effect sensor, thepresence sensor U2 may use a reed switch to detect presence or absenceof an accessory.

The presence sensor U2 may be placed at a specific location relative tothe accessory's connection pins on the helmet rails 12 (e.g., helmetrail 12 shown in FIG. 1A). A corresponding magnet may be placed in theaccessory (e.g., track accessory 16 shown in FIG. 14A or top accessory116 shown in FIG. 1A), with a position and orientation that ensures aproximity to the sensor when the accessory may be installed. As such,the presence of the accessory may be detected.

In some embodiments, when an accessory is not present, the presencesensor U2 outputs a logic high signal, which drives a p-channel FET Q1into its off state. This drives the enable signal NODE_EN to a logiclow, which turns off or otherwise disables the power delivery circuit204 and data communication circuit 206, thereby powering down theaccessory power supply as described above.

In some embodiments, when an accessory is present, the presence sensorU2 outputs a logic low signal, which drives the p-channel FET Q1 intoits on state. This drives the enable signal NODE_EN to a logic high,which turns on or otherwise enables the power delivery circuit 204 anddata communication circuit 206, thereby powering up the accessory powersupply as described above.

Referring to FIG. 27 , there is shown a power switching circuit (alsoreferred to as a power switching circuit 204 b), in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The power switchingcircuit 204 b includes two voltage supplies V_(A) and V_(B), transistorsQ1, Q2 and Q3, regulator U1 and amplifiers U2 and U3.

The power switching circuit 204 b may be used to supply a device such asan NVG (e.g., NVG 19 shown in FIG. 1A) with one of two voltage supplies,V_(A) or V_(B) based on device requirements by selecting andtransmitting a low voltage or a high voltage to the NVG. For example,the ability to switch between two DC voltages—for example, betweenV_(A)=3 V and V_(B)=9 V, may be useful because popular NVGs tend torequire 3V or 9V for power. Restricting the circuit to produce just onesupply voltage would limit the field of supported NVGs.

The power switching circuit 204 b selects which voltage, V_(A) or V_(B),is used to power the NVG according to the state of the signal atSELECTVA/nVB line 210. The signal at SELECTVA/nVB line 210 isautomatically set (i.e., without a user being required to manually setthe signal) based on the configuration of the NVG cable and operatingvoltage signal received from the NVG indicating a voltage requirement ofthe NVG. NVGs requiring V_(A)=3V (e.g., NVG 212) are associated withcable connector 214 that includes a floating conductor 216 (i.e., thevoltage potential of the conductor 216 is not pulled up to any specificvoltage potentials and it is not pulled down to a ground voltagepotential). NVGs requiring V_(B)=9V (e.g., NVG 218) are associated withconnector 220 that includes a conductor 222 that is electronicallycoupled to a grounded conductor 224 of the connector 220 (i.e., thevoltage potential of the grounded conductor 222 is equal to that ofconductor 224).

As such, when cable connector 214 is attached to an interface 226 of thepower switching circuit 204 b (e.g., power contacts 36 and 38, asdepicted in FIG. 25 ), the SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is floating due to itscoupling with conductor 216 of the cable connector 214. When connector220 is attached to the interface 226 of the power switching circuit 204b, the SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is pulled down due to its coupling withgrounded conductor 222 of the connector 220.

When the connection to SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is left open-circuited, thelower V_(A) power supply is outputted to the NVG 212. When theconnection to SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is pulled down (shorted to ground),the higher V_(B) power supply is outputted to the NVG 218. In thismanner, the physical cable configuration determines the appropriatepower supply voltage level for the NVG. The selection method may not berestricted to a cable configuration. The selection method mayalternatively be implemented at the load (i.e., at the NVG), as a shortcircuit, or by some other means. Further, the specific configurations ofconductors in the connectors 220 and 214 are illustrative in no waymeant to limit the scope of the subject disclosure.

V_(IN) 228 is a DC input voltage provided by a supply such as a stack ofbattery cells connected in series, represented in the figure as BT₁through BT_(i). This energy source is delivered to an NVG through aconnector 220 or 214 for purposes of powering the NVG. As describedabove, the voltage that powers the NVG may be selected to be eitherV_(A) (a low voltage, e.g., 3V) if the cable has a floating conductor216, or V_(B) (a higher voltage, e.g., 9V) if the cable has a groundedconductor 222. Both of these cases (floating conductor and groundedconductor) are described below.

First Case: Floating Conductor

When the SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is floating (i.e., open circuited), nocurrent flows through R7 and R10, which holds the p-channel FET Q2 off.Thus, current does not flow through Q2 to supply the V_(B) node.Meanwhile, the V_(IN) 228 power source is applied to a linear orswitching regulator U1. This regulator may be of any type that usesfeedback (i.e., at the FB pin) to set the output voltage (i.e., the OUTpin), such that the output is equal to V_(A) according to the followingrelationship:

V _(A) =V _(REF1) +I _(R1) R ₁

In some embodiments, the output voltage of the regulator U1 must begreater than 0 V (i.e., above ground) and less than the V_(IN) 228 inputvoltage. The reason for the V_(B)>V_(A) constraint is that the means ofsupplying the V_(A) voltage to the V_(B) node is via the body diode ofthe n-channel transistor Q1. When V_(B) is supplied by transistor Q2instead of by regulator U1, it is necessary for the body diode oftransistor Q1 to be reverse biased, which only happens if V_(A) does notexceed V_(B).

In some embodiments, the EN pin of the regulator U1 requires somethreshold, V_(EN(on)), between the input supply voltage at the IN pinand the GND pin (i.e., 0 V). The RENT and R_(EN2) resistor values may bechosen such that when the V_(IN) supply is at least as high as itsminimum operating voltage, V_(IN(min)), the V_(EN) voltage exceeds theenable threshold, which signals regulator U1 to operate.

${V_{{IN}(\min)}\left( \frac{R_{{EN}2}}{R_{{EN}1} + R_{{EN}2}} \right)} > V_{{EN}({on})}$

Second Case: Grounded Conductor

When the signal at SELECTVA/nVB line 210 is grounded, the gate oftransistor Q2 is pulled lower than its source, thereby turning it on.Simultaneously, and for the same reason, transistor Q3 is turned on,which drives transistor Q4 on and the regulator U1 EN pin low, which inturn disables the regulator U1. Under this condition, the transistor Q1body diode is reverse biased (because V_(B)>V_(A)). As such, the NVG ispowered by V_(B) alone (with no or substantially no contribution fromV_(A)).

The resistors R7 and R10 are chosen to guarantee that gate-sourcevoltage is sufficiently large (in the negative direction) to turn thetransistor Q2 and transistor Q3 on, yet not large enough to exceedgate-source voltage ratings of the devices. These constraints aredescribed in the inequalities below.

${V_{{IN}(\min)}\left( \frac{R_{7}}{R_{7} + R_{10}} \right)} > {❘V_{{GS}({thresh})}❘}$${V_{{IN}(\max)}\left( \frac{R_{7}}{R_{7} + R_{10}} \right)} < {❘V_{{GS}(\max)}❘}$

The resistors R8 and R9 are similarly constrained to operate thetransistor Q4 transistor properly.

${V_{{IN}(\min)}\left( \frac{R_{9}}{R_{8} + R_{9}} \right)} > {❘V_{{GS}({thresh})}❘}$${V_{{IN}(\max)}\left( \frac{R_{9}}{R_{8} + R_{9}} \right)} < {❘V_{{GS}(\max)}❘}$

Voltage Decay Simulation

In some embodiments, NVGs (e.g., 218 and 212) incorporate battery statusindicators on their displays, which inform the user when the batteriesare nearly depleted. One way in which some NVGs determine the remainingbattery capacity is by measuring the supply voltage (here, V_(A) orV_(B)). As the voltage decreases, the NVG infers a corresponding loss ofcapacity. Accordingly, it would be desirable for the supply voltage todecay or sag in order to preserve the NVG's ability to inform the userwhen a battery change is imminent.

In the case of the SELECTVA/nVB line 210 being pulled down, the supplyvoltage V_(B) decays naturally, assuming that V_(IN) is powered by aseries stack of batteries, BT₁, BT₂, . . . , BT_(i), as shown. Thisoccurs because transistor Q₂ is turned on, and thus the V_(IN) batteryvoltage is directly connected to the NVG supply V_(B) through connector220. As the battery cells lose capacity, their voltages sag, which maybe detected directly by the NVG's battery status indicator.

In the case of the SELECTVA/nVB line 210 being left open, the supplyvoltage V_(A) does not decay naturally. The regulator U1 produces thesupply voltage, V_(A), which is outputted to NVG 212. In this case, thevoltage drop at V_(IN) that occurs as the cells are depleted are notreflected on the NVG supply V_(A). The regulator U1 (also referred toherein as a regulator circuit) provides a constant voltage at its outputto supply a low voltage at a constant voltage to a connected accessoryeven when its input supply varies. Thus, with only conventionalregulator operation, a low-voltage (e.g., 3 V) NVG 212 would have nomeans of indicating battery depletion to the user, because the NVG wouldnot experience the decaying supply voltage.

In some embodiments, the power switching circuit 204 b includes avoltage decay simulation circuit 230. This circuit is configured tocreate a voltage decay as the battery cells wear. The circuit operatesas follows. First, without the presence of resistor R3, the regulator U1output would be a fixed voltage, V_(A), proportional to the internalreference voltage, V_(REF1).

${V_{A} = {V_{{REF}1}\left( \frac{R_{1} + R_{2}}{R_{2}} \right)}},$ or$V_{{REF}1} = {V_{A}\left( \frac{R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}} \right)}$

Amplifier U2 creates or generates an adjustment voltage, V_(ADJ),proportional to the input voltage V_(IN), but inverted in sign (in otherwords, the adjustment voltage, V_(ADJ), is inversely proportional to theinput voltage V_(IN)). This V_(ADJ) voltage sources current through R3into the V_(REF1) node. As the V_(IN) supply falls, V_(ADJ) rises inproportion. As can be seen in the expression below, the regulator outputvoltage becomes a function of the adjustment voltage.

${V_{{REF}1} = {{V_{A}\left( \frac{R_{2}{❘❘}R_{3}}{R_{1} + {R_{2}{❘❘}R_{3}}} \right)} + {V_{ADJ}\left( \frac{R_{1}{❘❘}R_{2}}{R_{3} + {R_{1}{❘❘}R_{2}}} \right)}}},$or$V_{A} = {{V_{{REF}1}\left( \frac{{R_{1}R_{2}} + {R_{1}R_{3}} + {R_{2}R_{3}}}{R_{2}R_{3}} \right)} - {V_{ADJ}\left( \frac{R_{1}}{R_{3}} \right)}}$

According to the above equation, in response to a positive-goingperturbation at its FB pin (due to a dropping V_(IN), hence a risingadjustment voltage V_(ADJ)), regulator U1 drives its output lower inessence subtracting the adjustment voltage V_(ADJ) from the originallyconstant low voltage from regulator U1 to create an adjusted low voltagethat is transmitted to the connected accessory. In this manner, thedecaying voltage at the battery source is reflected in the NVG supply atcircuit branch V_(B).

The details of the amplifier U2 that produces the V_(ADJ) signal may bedescribed as follows. First, a reference voltage, V_(REF2), is appliedto the non-inverting input of amplifier U2. The value of this voltage isbe critical; the value may be selected to be about midway between theamplifier supply, V_(A), and 0V. This ensures that the amplifieroperates in its linear range.

The gain of the amplifier is set by the ratio of the feedback resistorR_(f) and the gain resistance R_(g).

$A_{V} = {- \frac{R_{f}}{R_{g}}}$

The value of R_(g) is set by the network of resistors R_(div1),R_(div2), R_(T1), R_(T2), R_(g1), and R_(g2). This resistor networkallows the following to occur. First, the V_(IN) supply itself isgenerally too high to be applied directly to the inputs of amplifiers U2and U3. For this reason, the resistors R_(div1) and R_(div2) are used todivide the input voltage down to a practical level.

In some implementations, a negative-temperature-coefficient thermistorR_(T1) is placed in series with resistor R_(div2), which allows acertain amount of temperature compensation in the system, depending uponthe type of battery cells used. Lithium cells have a strong positivetemperature coefficient, allowing their voltage to drop at coldtemperatures and rise at high temperatures. In one embodiment, thepurpose of the power switching circuit 204 b is to force the V_(B)voltage to sag when the battery nears depletion. However, it is notdesirable for the V_(B) voltage to sag due to cold temperatures. Thethermistor R_(T1) facilitates some reduction in this undesirable voltagedrop. As the temperature drops, V_(IN) tends to drop also (assuminglithium batteries), but the value of thermistor R_(T1) increases. Thishas the effect of reducing the variation of V_(ADJ) as a function oftemperature, while retaining its main function of being proportional tobattery depletion.

Regarding the resistor R_(T2), since thermistors have sharp andnon-linear characteristics over temperature, the fixed resistor R_(T2)in parallel with the thermistor R_(T1) helps to subdue this non-linearbehavior.

The resistance R_(g1) may be determined by computing the Theveninequivalent resistance looking back from the R_(g2) resistor toward theV_(IN) source.

R _(g1) =R _(div1)∥(R _(div2)+(R _(T1) ∥R _(T2)))

Noting finally that R_(g)=R_(g1)+R_(g2), the expression for the V_(A)supply is as follows:

$V_{A} = {{V_{{REF}1}\left( \frac{{R_{1}R_{2}} + {R_{1}R_{3}} + {R_{2}R_{3}}}{R_{2}R_{3}} \right)} - {{V_{{REF}2}\left( \frac{R_{1}}{R_{3}} \right)}\left( \frac{R_{f} + R_{g1} + R_{g2}}{R_{g1} + R_{g2}} \right)} + {{V_{IN}\left( \frac{R_{1}}{R_{3}} \right)}\left( \frac{R_{f}}{R_{g1} + R_{g2}} \right)\left( \frac{R_{{div}2} + R_{T}}{R_{{div}1} + R_{{div}2} + R_{T}} \right)}}$where$R_{g1} = \frac{R_{{div}1}\left( {R_{{div}2} + R_{T}} \right)}{R_{{div}1} + R_{{div}2} + R_{T}}$$R_{T} = \frac{R_{T1}R_{T2}}{R_{T1} + R_{T2}}$

Voltage Drop Reduction

In the description above, it was noted that the output, V_(A) ofregulator U1 is connected to the NVG supply via the body diode oftransistor Q1. When the higher supply voltage V_(B) is selected (i.e.,by tying SELECTVA/nVB to 0V), the body diode of transistor Q1 is reversebiased, thereby isolating the regulator U1. When the lower supplyvoltage V_(A) is selected, transistor Q2 is off, so current flows fromV_(A) through the body diode of transistor Q1 to supply the NVG.

With only the diode of transistor Q1 operating (and not the FET itself),an undesirable forward voltage drop through the diode of transistor Q1is produced. The voltage powering the NVG would be less than the V_(A)supply output—from a few tenths of a volt at low currents up to a voltor more at high currents. The V_(A) supply could be raised to compensatefor this, but the efficiency would still suffer and the NVG voltagewould fluctuate depending upon the current it was drawing.

In some embodiments, a voltage drop reduction circuit 232 is implementedto mitigate the aforementioned voltage drop (or in other words, mitigatea difference in voltage between the power signal at V_(IN) and the highvoltage transmitted to the accessory). The voltage drop reductioncircuit includes a comparator U3, which drives transistor Q1 on whenV_(A) exceeds V_(B). When the regulator U1 is on and transistor Q2 isoff, the voltage drop across transistor Q1 causes comparator U3 to driveits output high, turning on the transistor Q1. The fully enhancedtransistor Q1 effectively shorts the body diode of transistor Q1,reducing the voltage drop to near zero. The positive feedback viaresistor R5 provides a small amount of hysteresis so that the output ofcomparator U3 does not “chatter” or switch states because of smalloffset voltages.

When the regulator U1 is off and transistor Q2 is on, the output of thecomparator U3 is forced low, turning off Q1 so that its reverse-biasedbody diode inhibits current flow back to the regulator.

Turning now to FIG. 28 , due to the varying number of accessoriesconnected to the power source 28, along with the varying powerrequirements of each accessory, there is a need for flexibility in thesize and capabilities of the power source 28. In some embodiments, thepower source 28 of FIG. 1A may include modular battery circuitry 234that permits groups or sets of one or more series-connected batterycells (wherein the individual battery cells are connectable in serieselectrical communication to form the group) in battery module 236 of thepower source 28 to be connected in parallel. By connecting pairs ofbattery cells in a series “stack,” and connecting these stacks inparallel electrical communication, the power source 28 may increase thetotal amount of current available to the load (connected at VSTACK+).The modular battery circuitry 234 may also prevent one stack of batterycells from charging another stack of battery cells (e.g., current maynot be allowed to flow backwards through the battery cells) and minimizeenergy losses.

In FIG. 28 , two sets of series-connected stacked batteries in batterymodule 236 are illustrated as stacked battery set VSTACK1 and stackedbattery set VSTACK2. Each stacked battery set VSTACK1, VSTACK2 mayinclude modular battery circuit 234 a and modular battery circuitry 234b, respectively. In some embodiments, additional sets ofseries-connected batteries may be added in parallel to the stackedbattery sets of battery module 236 by also including correspondingmodular battery circuitry similar to modular battery circuitry 234. Ineffect, the modular battery circuitry 234 provides for any number ofseries-connected battery cells to be added in parallel in a modularfashion. Because of this modularity, the number of series-connectedstacked batteries in power source 28 is extendable to any number ofbattery cells.

Referring to FIGS. 29-30 , there is shown an exemplary modular batterycircuit 234 a in electrical communication with a stacked battery set ofbattery module 236 at a battery interconnection node and in electricalcommunication with group at a ground interconnection node. The batterystack current, I_(stack), in the circuit may flow from ground, throughresistor R7, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)Q1, and the pair of AA batteries that represent the stacked battery setof battery module 236, and out to the load on the VSTACK+node. The U6Aamplifier and surrounding components, including R7, may be used forcurrent measurement, as explained in greater detail below.

Modular battery circuit 234 a may include battery control circuitry(e.g., battery control circuitry 238 shown in FIG. 30 ). The batterycontrol circuitry may prevent current from flowing through the batteriesin the wrong direction. Current may flow in the wrong direction, forinstance, if the batteries were arranged directly in parallel pairswithout protection circuitry. A strong set of batteries couldconceivably attempt to charge a weak set of batteries, a condition thatwould at the least waste energy and possibly be hazardous.

The battery control circuitry may include a resistor R7 and a powerMOSFET Q1 positioned in series with the stacked battery set of batterymodule 236. The resistor R7 may be a small valued resistor. In someembodiments, the resistor R7 is negligible. The MOSFET Q1 may act as adiode and a transistor based on a voltage detected at the gate terminalof MOSFET Q1. The MOSFET Q1 and resistor R7 may form a current flowcontroller circuit that may prevent current from flowing through thebatteries in the wrong direction (i.e., from a positive terminal to anegative terminal of the batteries down through MOSFET Q1). For example,the body diode of MOSFET Q1 may oppose current flowing in the wrongdirection. The MOSFET Q1 transistor may be forced off if current flowsin the wrong direction. Current flowing from drain to source of MOSFETQ1 may cause a voltage drop from the MOSFET Q1 drain to ground. Anamplifier U5A and corresponding resistor R5 and capacitor C3 may form avoltage drop detector circuit in electrical communication with the gateterminal of MOSFET Q1. The voltage drop detector circuit may respond tothe voltage drop across MOSFET Q1 by driving the output of the voltagedrop detector circuit to ground, thereby turning off the MOSFET Q1.

Still referring to FIGS. 29-30 , if the battery stack of battery module236 forces current in its proper direction (i.e., I_(stack1)>0), apositive voltage drop may be formed from ground to the MOSFET Q1 drainmeaning that the MOSFET Q1 drain voltage will be negative with respectto ground. The MOSFET Q1 drain voltage may be negative with respect toground. The amplifier USA may prevent this voltage drop from beingdominated by the forward voltage of the MOSFET Q1 body diode that couldconstitute a significant energy loss and cause a heating problem at highcurrents. However, the feedback received by amplifier USA may cause theamplifier USA to drive the MOSFET Q1 gate high if any appreciablenegative voltage appears on the MOSFET Q1 drain. The amplifier U5Adriving the MOSFET Q1 gate high may turn the MOSFET Q1 on, therebyshunting the diode of MOSFET Q1 with a very low resistance (e.g., 0.3Ohms).

It must be noted that the strength of the turn-on signal for the MOSFETQ1 is dependent on the gain of the amplifier USA and the source-to-drainvoltage drop across MOSFET Q1. As MOSFET Q1 is activated, the channelresistance at MOSFET Q1 drops, as does the source-to-drain voltage forMOSFET Q1 that drives the amplifier USA. Driving the amplifier USA maymake the voltage drop across the MOSFET Q1 relatively constant asI_(stack1) is varied. Thus, the battery control circuitry tends toimprove its efficiency as current is increased. The strength of theturn-on signal may be adjusted by selecting the resistors R1 and R5,which control the inverting gain (A_(v)) of the amplifier USA.

${A_{V} = {- \frac{R_{5}}{R_{1}}}}\left( {{gain}{of}{amplifier}{driving}{gate}} \right)$

In essence, the MOSFET Q1 and the amplifier USA circuitry may create a“super diode” in series with the batteries, which may prevent currentfrom flowing the wrong way without incurring the voltage drop and energylosses of an ordinary diode. As a result, when two or more batterystacks are wired in parallel and connected to a load, the battery stackstend to share the load according to the strengths of their cells.Stronger batteries provide more current than weaker ones, and thus,overtime, the stacks tend to become balanced.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31 , modular battery circuit 234 a may includea current monitor circuit (e.g., current monitor circuit 240 shown inFIG. 31 ). The current monitor circuit may include an inverted amplifierU6A that produces a voltage proportional to the I_(stack1) current. Thevoltage may be measured with a meter, oscilloscope, or microcontroller.The common mode input range of the operational amplifier in the circuitmay accommodate signals at, or even slightly below, the negative supply.The VISENSE1 node drops below ground in the circuit when I_(stack1)current is positive. The I_(stack1) current may remain positive or maybe zero. When the VISENSE1 node drops below ground, the output ofamplifier U6A may rise. The rising output of amplifier U6A may drive theR6-R3 feedback network until the voltage at the inverting input matchesthat of the non-inverting input (i.e., ground). Themillivolts-to-milliamps scale factor of this circuit may be set by thecomponent values as follows.

$V_{MON} = {{\left( \frac{- R_{6}}{R_{3}} \right)\left( {- R_{7}} \right)I_{{stack}1}} = {{\left( \frac{{- 2}49k\Omega}{10.k\Omega} \right)\left( {{- {0.0}}20\Omega} \right)I_{{stack}1}} = {\left( {0.5\Omega} \right)I_{{stack}1}}}}$

Hot Shoe Electrical Interface

FIGS. 32A and 32C depict an example electrical interface 64 of hot shoe62 shown in FIG. 18 (also referred to as a hot shoe interface) inaccordance with some embodiments, and FIG. 32B depicts an example pinouttable of an electrical interface 64 in accordance with some embodiments.The electrical interface 64 houses multiple contacts that allow power totransfer from the power source 28 to the accessory mounting system 10,data for device communication, and high-speed data to interface withcoupled accessories (e.g., NVG devices).

The electrical interface 64 may include a plurality of pins such as thepins indicated in FIGS. 32A and 32C as pins TP1-TP12 and pins TP16-TP22.The pins may be fixed pins and/or spring pins. The pins may be a mix offixed pins and spring pins. The pins are arranged to provide separationof the high-speed data signals (TP10, TP11, TP17, TP18) from the powerlines (TP1, TP2, TP16, TP19) and low rate data lines (TP4, TP5, TP9,TP12). An example pinout of electrical interface 64 viewed from theperspective of looking at the hot shoe 62 of power source mount 60(e.g., looking at the back of the hot shoe 62) is depicted in FIG. 32A.

In some embodiments, power (TP1, TP2, TP16, TP19) and low speed data(TP4, TP5, TP9, TP12) are distributed via flexible printed circuit boardassemblies (PCBAs) that connect the rail nodes (e.g., track nodes 34,top nodes 110). Flexible PCBAs allow the rail assemblies (e.g., rails12) to be replaceable with the addition of connector blocks at a hotshoe interface printed circuit board (PCB). This would allow a user todisconnect a single rail assembly (e.g., rail 12 on either side of powersource mount 60) from the hot shoe 62 and not require the entire systemto be replaced.

The electrical interface 64 may include balanced differential pairs thatare subject to transmission line effects because of the high-speednature of the signals they are intended to carry. For this reason, thepins for these differential pairs are carefully arranged to establish acontrolled impedance in the medium. Among the specific details in thisarrangement are the diameters of the fixed pins and spring pins (d₀),the distance between these pins (x₀), the dielectric constant (relativepermittivity, ε_(r)) of the encapsulating material, and the distancefrom these pins to other conductors (x₁), which includes 0V referenceconductors and other power or signal nodes.

In some embodiments, the diameters d 0 of one or more of the fixed pinsand/or spring pins is 0.072 inches. Six exterior pins (TP6, TP7, TP8,TP20, TP21, TP22) are ground returns. As described above with referenceto FIG. 27 , TP8 is grounded when interfaced with connector 220corresponding with high powered NVGs 218, and TP8 is floating wheninterfaced with cable connector 214 corresponding with low-voltage NVGs212.

In some embodiments, pins TP13-TP15 are removed and high-speed data pins(TP10, TP11, TP17, TP18) are spaced to support wires formed as twistedpairs. For example, a high-speed data receiver for a power source 28 mayinterface with pins TP10 and TP17, and a high speed data transmitter fora power source 28 may interface with pins TP11 and TP18. As shown inFIG. 32C, pins TP10 and TP17 may be positioned at a distance of about0.210 in from pins TP11 and TP18. Pins TP10 and TP11 may be positionedat a distance of about 0.210 in from pins TP17 and TP18. Pins TP6, TP7,TP8, TP20, TP21 and TP22, surrounding pins TP10, TP11, TP17 and TP18 maybe spaced from one another at a distance (x₀) of about 0.210 in. PinsTP6, TP7, TP8, TP20, TP21 and TP22, surrounding pins TP10, TP11, TP17and TP18, may be spaced from pins TP10, TP11, TP17 and TP18 at a minimumdistance (x₁) of about 0.148 in such that a minimum distance between anyof the high-speed data contacts and any other contacts is at least 0.148in. Pins TP6, TP7, TP8, TP20, TP21 and TP22, surrounding pins TP10,TP11, TP17 and TP18 may be spaced from pins TP10, TP11, TP17 and TP18 ina vertical direction at a distance of about 0.110 in. A total length orwidth for the pins from center point of one pin to center point ofanother pin may be about 0.560 in. A diameter (d₀) of each of the pinsmay be about 0.072 inches. A total number of the plurality of contactsmay be at least 19 contacts positioned within a maximum area of about0.35 inches².

In some embodiments, the electrical interface 64 may be comprised of amaterial 242 including an impedance matching component configured tosupport a level of impedance matching. The material 242 may have acontrolled dielectric constant to support a desired level of impedancematching (e.g., 100 ohm impedance matching). For example, material 242may comprise Xenoy or one or more materials having similar properties.In some implementations, material 242 has a relative permittivityε_(r)=4.0.

The exact pin numbers and functions in FIGS. 32A-32C are depicted as anexample arrangement of power and data signals and are not meant to limitthe scope of the subject disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in theart would realize that, based on the application, other combinations ofdata and power pins and functions may be implemented without departingfrom the scope of the inventive concepts described here. In addition,the offset measurements and pin geometry in FIGS. 32A and 32C aredepicted for illustrative purposes and are not meant to limit the scopeof the subject disclosure. Other offsets and geometries may beimplemented without departing from the scope of the inventive conceptsdescribed herein.

Multi-Channel Mixed Communication

In some embodiments, the data link (e.g., data link_N, data link_P, andbus VBUS in FIG. 25 ) is configured to provide a multi-channel mixedcommunication architecture that enables multi-channel communicationeither between a controller (e.g. also referred to herein as a smartbattery pack (SBP) controller 134) at the power source 28 (also referredto herein as a smart battery pack) and accessory devices (e.g. trackaccessories 16, top accessories 116, mount 17, or shroud accessories 19)or between the accessory devices themselves. The SBP controller 134 mayalso be referred to as a helmet controller 134. For example, the datalink may include low data rate serial communication (e.g., bit rate of 1Bit/s to 100 MB/s). The low data rate serial communication (alsoreferred to herein as a low-bandwidth communication protocol) may beimplemented using a TIA/EIA-485 physical layer in a Master-Slaveconfiguration for low-speed commands in some embodiments. In addition,the data link may also incorporate a high-speed controller area network(CAN) for high-bandwidth data transfer (e.g., bit rate of 1 Bit/s-10GB/s) (also referred to herein as a high-bandwidth communicationprotocol) over a helmet bus for high bit-rate communication such as, forexample, audio or video data feeds.

Unlike the low data rate serial communication interface, ahigh-bandwidth based channel enables a flexible data rate and is capableof handling arbitration that the device level without the need for amaster device. Thus, a 100% bandwidth utilization is theoreticallypossible. Additionally, the high-bandwidth based channel enables directdistributed communication between various accessories without involvingthe SBP controller 134.

Advantageously, the use of the mixed communication architecture reducesunnecessary battery drain by avoiding the use of high data ratecommunication interface for data and control commands that can betransmitted over a low data rate serial communication interface becausethe high clock speed required for the high bit rate communicationrequires more energy from the battery. Also advantageously, the datalink may also provide a bridging methodology using the SBP to connectlow bandwidth serial interfaces with high bandwidth serial interfaces.This approach enables “low power” command and control with accessorieswhile also providing suitable accessories with a high bandwidthtransport layer for data transmissions such as audio, uncompressedvideo, or compressed video.

FIG. 33 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method 244 ofcommunication between accessories (e.g., track accessories 16, topaccessories 116, mount 17, or shroud accessories 19) and the powersource 28 using different communication channels. In some embodiments,some operations in method 244 may be combined and/or the order of someoperations may be changed. In this example, accessories including aflashlight (or other light source) and headphones are connected to thedata link. These accessories may be attached to track nodes 34 or topnodes 110, on either of the rails 12 connected to the helmet accessorymounting system 10. At least one of the accessories may also be attachedto shroud 82 and connected to the helmet accessory mounting system 10 byshroud connector 84. The accessories may be connected in any combinationof the above. For example, the flashlight may be coupled to a top node110 of a rail 12 on the left side of the helmet 14 while the headphonesare individually connected to track nodes 34 on rails 12 on the left andright side of helmet 14.

At step 246, the SBP controller 134 at the power source 28 (alsoreferred to herein as SBP 28) queries for state information of theflashlight accessory over the low bandwidth communication channel. TheSBP controller 134 may query for state information at periodic timeintervals.

At step 248, a user turns ON the flashlight by providing a user commandto the flashlight either manually or digitally or by another method. Inresponse to the user turning the flashlight ON, the flashlight mayprovide state information to the SBP controller 134 independently or inresponse to the query by the SBP controller 134. Examples of stateinformation may include information regarding an operating state of anaccessory, such as whether a flashlight is ON or OFF.

At step 250, upon receiving the state information from the flashlight,the SBP controller 134 creates a warning message for one of theheadphones such as, for example, the headphones for the left ear of theuser, indicating that the flashlight is ON and instructing the headphoneto generate an audible sound to alert the user. The SBP controller 134selects a low bandwidth communication protocol for transmitting thewarning message because communications relating to the state of anaccessory or warning/alert/status/command messages for an accessory donot require high-bandwidth data. Stated another way, the bandwidthcapabilities and bandwidth requirements of the flashlight and dataprovided by the flashlight are satisfied using a low bandwidthcommunication protocol. Thus, communications are more efficientlyperformed over the low data rate serial communication channel.

At step 252, in response to receiving the warning message, the leftheadphone, generates an audible signal.

At step 254, the left headphone transfers the generated audible signalto the right headphone over a high bandwidth channel (e.g., the CANinterface). In this example, because the data is audio data, thehigh-bandwidth channel is needed to ensure that the left and right earboth have the same audible signal to output at the ears of the user.

At step 256, the left headphone and right headphone synchronize the basetime between the right headphones and the left headphone.

At step 258, after the base time between the right headphone and theleft headphone is synchronized, the generated audible signals are outputfrom the right and left headphones in synchronous fashion.

In another embodiment, for example, a high-bandwidth accessory such as aheads-up display accessory may communication with the SBP controller 134using multiple channels selected by the heads-up display (or anyaccessory in other embodiments) depending on the bandwidth requirementsfor the type of data being transmitted and the accessory's bandwidthcapabilities. For example, a heads-up display accessory may be turned ONby the user (or the heads-up display accessory may receive an accessorycontrol command (controller data) to turn on from the SBP controller134), and in response, the heads-up display accessory may transmitupdated state information to the SBP controller 134 over the lowbandwidth channel.

Alternatively, when the SBP controller 134 receives a video feed fromanother accessory (e.g., a camera) the SBP controller 134 may determinethat the bandwidth capabilities of the heads-up display support highbandwidth data and transmit the video feed for display on the heads-updisplay using a selected high bandwidth channel. In either case, thecommunication relating to the on or off state of the heads-up displayaccessory is performed over the low data rate serial communicationinterface. However, the video feed received by the SBP controller 134 iscommunicated to the heads-up display accessory over the high bandwidthinterface because utilizing the low data rate serial communicationinterface is not suitable for data with a high bandwidth requirementssuch as video feeds. Stated another way, the SBP 28 may communicate withcertain devices using certain interfaces based on the bandwidthrequirements for certain types of data being transmitted (e.g.,command/control messages vs. audio/video data) as well as the bandwidthcapabilities of the accessory (e.g., a device that only requirescommand/control communication such as a flashlight vs. a device capableof exchanging audio and video data in real-time).

In some embodiments, the data link may use a CAN over DC powerimplementation. Such embodiments may enable the data transfer over theinterface using a CAN protocol as an AC modulated communication.Advantageously, such embodiments also reduce the number of conductors onthe data link node while providing both the high data rate interface andthe low data rate serial communication interface.

Also, many of the accessories that can be coupled to the data link, suchas the flashlight, strobe light, headphones, microphones, chemicalsensors or biosensors, among others, typically have low powermicrocontrollers that have a limited capability for handling otherperipheral devices. Thus, most of the accessory devices are incapable ofimplementing high bandwidth communication protocols over a CAN interfaceand instead rely on low bandwidth communication protocols.Advantageously, the mixed communication implementation allows theseaccessories to also coexist with other accessories that use highbandwidth data, such as cameras and displays without interference.

Another advantage is that the mixed communication architecture disclosedherein provides high bandwidth peer-to-peer communication for featuressuch as, for example, the ear-to-ear audio described herein, over thedata link while permitting the SBP 28 to serve as a network bridgebetween the high data rate interface and the low data rate serialcommunication interface.

Yet another advantage of the mixed communication architecture disclosedherein is that the accessories mounted on the data link are enabled totransfer meta-data on either operational conditions or sensors data foran accessory as either audible or visual stimuli if a display (e.g., ahead-up display) or headphones coupled to the data link and are usingthe CAN interface.

Enumeration

The data link provides accessory adaptability, where differentaccessories can be attached and detached at the discretion of theuser/operator, while also providing mixed communication functionalitybetween the SBP controller 134 and the accessories. To provide accessoryadaptability, in some embodiments, the data link may use networkenumeration as described below to gather information about accessoriesconnected to the network in real time. In some embodiments, the datalink may use a master-slave architecture, and the application messageand protocol may provide client/server communications between devicesconnected on the helmet rail 12. In such embodiments, the SBP controller134 operates as the master device and the accessories connected tovarious nodes operate as slave devices. Thus, the SBP controller 134 mayact as the central processing unit or supervisor controller for thenetwork.

In some embodiments, smart contact nodes, having a low powergeneral-purpose input-output (GPIO) expander and a Hall Effect switch,may be used for connecting the accessories (slaves) onto the networkbus. The GPIO expander enables the SBP to read the state of each node todetermine if a device is connected and also allows the SBP to controlthe power state of the corresponding node. In some embodiments, the SBPmay identify the accessory connected to a node, authenticates theaccessory, reads the state of the accessory and controls or cycles thenode's power state. An example protocol by which the SBP identifies andauthenticates an accessory connected to a node is described below.

FIG. 34 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 260 foridentifying a node on the helmet accessory mounting system. In someembodiments, some operations in method 260 may be combined and/or theorder of some operations may be changed.

At step 262, the SBP controller 134 queries at each node on the datalink to determine the logical state of the node, e.g., using the node'sHall Effect sensor seen by the GPIO expander.

If the state of the switch indicates that an accessory is connected to aparticular node (262-yes), the SBP controller 134 moves to 264.Otherwise, the SBP controller 134 determines that the node is unused andqueries the next node.

Continuing at step 264, the SBP controller 134 transmits a signal to thenode GPIO expander to enable power to that specific node. Once theaccessory receives power, the accessory activates such that theaccessory can communicate with the SBP over the network.

At step 266, the SBP controller 134 sends a broadcast message to theaccessory at the particular node requesting device identificationinformation from the nodes. The device identification information mayinclude vendor identification information such as a vendoridentification number and/or product identification information such asa product identification number, in some embodiments.

At step 268, after the device identification information is receivedfrom the accessory, the SBP controller 134 determines if the informationis valid. To determine if the device information is valid, the SBPcontroller 134 may match the received device information to deviceinformation from a pre-compiled listing of approved devices. If a matchexists, the accessory is approved for communicating on the data link.

At step 270, after the SBP controller 134 determines that a device isvalid, the SBP controller 134 assigns a node identification number (orin some embodiments a node identifier) to the accessory such that theSBP controller 134 can send and receive data to and from that specificaccessory as well as cycle and control power to the accessory using thenode identification number.

At step 272, the SBP controller 134 broadcasts or transmits the nodeidentification number to all the nodes within the network. Once theother nodes receive the node identification number for the newaccessory, the accessory is registered so that the SBP controller 134and other devices may also communicate with the accessory (includingexchanging controller/accessory data with the respective accessory)using the node identification number.

At step 274, the SBP controller 134 performs similar identification andauthentication tasks on all the other nodes with devices connected onthe network.

In some embodiments, the SBP controller 134 periodically queries thestate of the Hall Effect sensor of each node on the network. Suchperiodic query enables the determination of whether an accessory hasbeen added or removed from the network. Such an implementation enablesthe SBP controller 134 to apply power to each node independently andsend a new device general broadcast over the RS485 serial communicationinterface for any newly powered accessory. In other words, whenever anew accessory is added to the network, the SBP controller 134 may powerthe accessory independently and notify the other nodes that a newaccessory has been added to the network. Such notification enablesindividual accessory devices to communicate with each other directly,e.g., over the CAN bus. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the SBPcontroller 134 may identify any devices that are either not respondingto protocol messages or are breaking down the network, for example,because of higher than expected power to draw. In such instances, theSBP controller 134 may decide to disable a specific node on the networkbased on its operating characteristics to optimize the effectivelifespan of the battery pack and maximize the usable time for the otheraccessories.

Accessory Communication

In addition to data link communication between a SBP controller 134 andan accessory, the data link also provides for communication betweenaccessories over the network. Accessory communication enhances theoverall data link system by allowing accessories to share stateinformation or data information with other accessories. These otheraccessories are then able to adjust their operating states accordinglyto provide a more coordinated accessory network for the operator.

FIG. 35 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 276 foraccessory communication according to at least one embodiment. In thisexample, accessories such as strobe lights connected on either side ofthe helmet may be synchronized through the SBP controller 134, therebyallowing the strobe lights to function as a single coordinated unit. Insome embodiments, operations performed by an SBP controller 134 may beperformed by an accessory controller.

At step 278, the SBP controller 134 (also referred to herein as “BusMaster”) periodically queries the status of a strobe light mounted onthe left side of the helmet (also referred to herein as the leftstrobe). While the strobe light is OFF, the SBP controller 134 takes nofurther action while continuing to periodically query the status of thestrobe light.

At step 280, the user initiates a command to turn the left strobe ON.The command may be initiated at the left strobe via manipulation of abutton or switch on the left strobe. Alternatively, the command may beinitiated by receiving the command at a controller of the left strobevia a wireless data transmission from an external device such as aremote control.

At step 282, while the SBP controller 134 is querying the strobe light,the SBP controller 134 receives status information from the strobe lightindicating that the strobe light has changed from OFF to ON. The statusinformation may also include pulsing frequency (i.e., strobe rate),brightness, and frequency at which the left strobe is operating.

At step 284, in response to the SBP controller 134 receiving statusinformation indicating that the status of the strobe light has changed,the SBP controller 134 broadcasts a synchronization signal to all nodesto synchronize the clocks of all the nodes with that of the left strobe.

At step 286, the SBP controller 134 sends a command to the node at whichthe strobe light mounted on the right side of the helmet (also referredto herein as the right strobe) to turn on the right strobe at the samepulsing frequency or strobe rate as the left strobe. The command mayinclude the status information of the left strobe, including the pulsingfrequency. The strobe light mounted on the right side of the helmetturns ON and strobes at the pulsing frequency synchronized with the leftstrobe. One or more of other operation parameters of the strobe lightssuch as, for example, frequency (i.e., color), brightness, and/or strobeduration may be synchronized using a similar process.

In some embodiments, other accessories besides strobe lights may beused. The accessories coupled to the data link communicate using theRS485 Master-Slave interface of the data link where the SBP controller134 initiates and manages all communication between the accessories.Although, in alternative embodiments, the accessories may communicatedirectly using a distributed network communication protocol. In someembodiments, where two accessories are mounted to the helmet (e.g., onthe left and the right side of the helmet), once the device isenumerated on the data link, the SBP controller 134 queries the status.The accessories provide a status message, e.g., with mnemonic codes, tooffer configuration information and their current state when queried bythe SBP controller 134. With this information, the SBP controller 134can determine if an accessory was activated and the state/configurationinformation of the accessory. Upon receiving state/configurationinformation, the SBP controller 134 can then broadcast an accessorycontrol command to activate any related accessories to cause suchaccessories to change from operating in a first state to operating in asecond state. For instance, in an example of a first accessory such as acamera and a second accessory such as a heads-up display connected tothe data link, the camera may change from an OFF operating state to anON operating state where the camera records video. The SBP controller134 may detect the state change indicated by the accessory state datatransmitted from the camera. In response, the SBP controller 134 maythen transmit a command to the heads-up display to change the operatingstate of the heads-up display from an OFF operating state to an ONoperating state to display the video from the camera on the heads-updisplay.

The method of communicating and controlling accessories using a SBPcontroller 134 disclosed herein can be used with various accessoriesthat can be coupled to the helmet. Examples of the accessories include,but are not limited to, multimedia accessories such as headphones or lowbandwidth display devices; human interface devices such as heads-updisplays and radios; illumination devices such as lasers, strobes, orflashlights; single point controllers or gateway devices such as aBluetooth mesh; and sensors such as cameras, infrared sensors, chemicalsensors, biosensors, atmospheric sensors, or light sensors.

When a plurality of different accessories are coupled to the helmet, thespecific functions of each of the accessory device classes is known tothe SBP controller 134 based on the device ID obtained by the SBPcontroller 134 during enumeration of the data link described herein.Based on the type of accessory, these functions may include, forexample, turning strobe lights ON or OFF, reading a user interface todetermine a state of a button, commanding a heads-up display to displaystatus information regarding an accessory, or causing headphones tosynchronously output an audible alert message.

In one use case, the accessory may include a headset having earcups wornover each ear of the operator. Upon enumeration, the SBP may providepower to each of the earcups over data link so as to avoid the need forbatteries in the earcups.

In another use case, one of the accessories includes a headset worn overthe operator's ears, and the second accessory includes a situationalawareness (SA) system that contains and shares data about a direction ofa target object. Once the accessories are enumerated on the data link,the headset may send directional cues to the operator's ears over datalink based on the location of the target object in the SA system.

In yet another use case, the accessory may include one or more ofchemical, biological, radiological or nuclear sensors. The sensors mayprovide signals upon detecting chemical, biological, radiological ornuclear (CBRN) threats (e.g., levels of toxic chemicals, pathogens,radiation, etc.) to the SBP controller. The SBP controller of a givenoperator may communicate the signals to SBP controllers on helmets ofother operators so as to from a mesh network of sensors. Such a meshnetwork may be able to provide a map of the CBRN threats by determiningconcentration (or level) gradients based on values sensed by the sensorsof various operators in a given space. Such a map of CBRN threats mayenable the operators to locate the source of the threats and/or provideearly warning to the operators about the presence of such threats whenentering a certain area. Additionally, the map may be helpful inmitigating the threat as well as in triaging and/or treating thoseexposed to such threats.

In a further use case, the accessory may include an antenna configuredto receive a wide range of frequencies. The antenna may be connected totuner accessory which actively searches for active frequencies todetermine frequencies over which undesired (e.g., enemy) electromagnetictransmission may be happening. The undesired electromagnetictransmission may be, for example, audio or visual communication over aradio frequency, a transmission for an enemy radar, command and controlsignals associated with an enemy drone or other reconnaissance vehicle,or a trigger signal for activating an improvised explosive device (IED)Upon detecting undesired transmission, the tuner may send the details ofsuch transmission (including, for example, frequency, signal strength,and direction where applicable) to the SBP controller. By forming a meshnetwork of antennas, a location of the radios transmitting the undesiredtransmission or receiving the undesired transmission may be determined.Alternately or additionally, identification of the frequency of suchundesired transmission, may be helpful in scrambling such undesiredtransmissions by transmitting interfering or jamming signals at thatfrequency.

For example, upon detecting a location of an enemy radio or a radar, theSBP controller associated with each operator may provide an audio, videoor audiovisual signal to the operator indicating the presence andlocation of the enemy radio or radar via a headsup display, a headset, auser electronic device interface, or a combination thereof.Additionally, or alternately, the SBP controller may send informationabout the presence and location of the enemy radio or radar to atransmitter (either on one of the operators or a standalone). Thetransmitter may then transmit jamming signals or scrambling signals thatwould prohibit or interfere with the undesired transmission. In anotherexample, where the mesh network detects a transmission of a command andcontrol signals associated with a drone, the transmitter may transmit asignal jamming the command and control signal associated with the droneor send a signal overriding the command and control signal associatedwith the drone to send it back to its base or make it land on theground.

In another use case, the accessory may be a laser range finder. A meshnetwork formed by laser range finders from a plurality of operators maybe configured to detect a pressure wave, e.g., from an explosion, so asto provide an early warning to the operators. Similarly, a mesh networkformed by a microphone accessory may be able to determine a location ofa sniper by providing a map of sound intensity gradient.

In yet another use case, one accessory may be a wireless radio moduleconfigured to communicate with a drone, a second accessory may be aheads-up display, and a third accessory may be a flight controller forcontrolling the drone. Upon enumeration of the accessories to data link,the operator may send command and control signals from the flightcontroller to the drone through the wireless radio and receive visual,audio, radio frequency, or LiDAR reconnaissance signals from the droneat the wireless radio. The SBP controller then processes the signals fordisplaying in the heads-up display. Such visual display ofreconnaissance signals may be helpful in providing early warning ofthreats to the operators. Additionally, or alternately, thereconnaissance signals may be helpful in providing a layout ormorphology of the space ahead of the operators. For example, thereconnaissance signals may help the operators identify higher ground,locations for sheltering or mounting an attack, locations where enemymay be hiding, potential targets, possible collateral damage, as well asother tactical and strategic information. In some embodiments, anotheraccessory may include an interface for a keyboard and/or a mouse orother input devices such as a joystick. The interface enables an inputdevice to be connected to the flight controller for easier control ofthe drone. It will be appreciated that the interface for input devicescan be used even without the flight controller in some embodiments. Insuch embodiments, the input devices may be used to input other commandsor communication for transmitting to a base, for example.

In another use case, the accessory may include a device for wirelesslight (LiFi) transmission for ultra-high bandwidth communication betweenline of sight devices. Thus, a LiFi device mounted on a helmet of oneoperator may communicate with one or more LiFi devices mounted on thehelmets of other operators to transmit large amounts of data at a rapidrate, thereby facilitating real-time or near real-time communication ofa video feed obtained by one of the operators.

In a further use case, the accessory may be a data transfer port. Thedata transfer port may be utilized for transferring data to an externaldata storage device such as, for example, a USB dongle, a flash memorycard, an SD card, or a combination thereof. In embodiment, the datatransfer port is connected to a high-bandwidth wireless transceiver toenable wireless transfer of data. In an embodiment, the accessoryincludes a data storage device instead of or in addition to the datatransfer port. The data storage device may be a fixed or a removabledata storage device. The data transfer or storage functionality allowsthe operator to store and/or transfer data such as, for example,photographs, LiDAR data, sensor data, videos, audio, or any other dataobtained from any of the other accessories described herein during anoperation such as, for example, a reconnaissance mission.

In yet another use case, the accessory may include a device configuredto sense the integrity of the helmet or the helmet shell. Such a devicemay be helpful in detecting an operator in distress in a situation wherethe operator is exposed to an explosion. The device may communicate thecondition of the helmet or the helmet shell to enable a medicalprofessional to administer appropriate treatment or triage techniques.

In some embodiments, the helmet accessory mounting system 10 describedherein also enables control of all accessories coupled to the helmet 14through a single user interface device or end user device 137 (EUD) suchas, for example, a smart phone that is operatively coupled to the SBPcontroller 134. In some embodiments, the communication needed for thecommand and control of accessories through the EUD 137 is performed overthe low data rate serial communication interface described herein. TheEUD 137 could be located on the user's person or the user's weapon,thereby enabling the user to control the accessories coupled to thehelmet without having to non-visually locate the various controls of thevarious accessories. In some embodiments, the EUD 137 may communicatewith the SBP controller 134 over WiFi, Bluetooth or other wirelesscommunication protocols. In some embodiments, the EUD 137 may controlthe accessories through another dedicated master accessory controllerother than the SBP controller 134. In some embodiments, the dedicatedmaster accessory controller may be provided as a single control point onthe helmet or the helmet rail as a wired or node connection.

In at least one embodiment, there is included one or more computershaving one or more processors/controllers and memory (e.g., one or morenonvolatile storage devices). In some embodiments, memory or computerreadable storage medium of memory stores programs, modules and datastructures, ora subset thereof fora processor/controller to control andrun the various systems and methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment,a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereoncomputer-executable instructions which, when executed by aprocessor/controller, perform one or more of the methods disclosedherein.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplaryembodiments may or may not be part of the claimed disclosure and variousfeatures of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unlessspecifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are notlimited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at leastone”.

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions of the disclosure have been simplified to focus on elementsthat are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion ofthe disclosure. However, because such elements are well known in theart, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a betterunderstanding of the disclosure, a description of such elements is notprovided herein.

Further, to the extent that the methods of the present disclosure do notrely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particularorder of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims.Any claims directed to the methods of the present disclosure should notbe limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, andone skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may bevaried and still remain within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

Illustration of Subject Technology as Clauses

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as numberedclauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples,and do not limit the subject technology. Identifications of the figuresand reference numbers are provided below merely as examples and forillustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by thoseidentifications.

-   -   Clause 1. A helmet accessory mounting system comprising: a        mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a        side of a helmet, the mounting device including a plurality of        mounting locations configured to releasably couple to at least        one accessory, a plurality of the plurality of mounting        locations each including an electrical node; a power supply        coupled to the mounting device; and an electrical supply line        electrically coupling the power supply to each of the electrical        nodes, the electrical supply line contained at least partially        within the mounting device.    -   Clause 2. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the mounting device includes a recessed retaining groove        configured to slidably, adjustably, and simultaneously receive a        plurality of the at least one accessory thereon.    -   Clause 3. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 2,        wherein a top surface of the mounting device between a top edge        of the mounting device and the retaining groove includes at        least one mounting location.    -   Clause 4. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 3,        wherein the at least one mounting location on the top surface of        the mounting device includes a Hall Effect sensor.    -   Clause 5. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 3,        wherein the at least one mounting location on the top surface of        the mounting device includes a threaded recess configured to        receive a fastener from the at least one accessory.    -   Clause 6. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 2,        wherein the recessed retaining groove comprises a flat outwardly        facing surface and a pair of angled sidewalls opposed to the        flat outwardly facing surface.    -   Clause 7. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 2,        wherein the recessed retaining groove is a first retaining        groove, the mounting device including a second retaining groove        configured to receive at least one of the at least one        accessory, the second retaining groove being at an oblique angle        relative to the first retaining groove.    -   Clause 8. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 2,        wherein the recessed retaining groove is configured to receive        the at least one accessory in at least a first location and a        second location along a length of the retaining groove, the at        least one accessory configured to be coupled to the electrical        node to electrically connect the at least one accessory to the        electrical supply line when the at least one accessory is in the        first location and the accessory is configured to not be coupled        to the electrical node and electrically disconnected from the        electrical supply line when the accessory is in the second        location.    -   Clause 9. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 2,        wherein each electrical node includes a positive electrical        contact, a negative electrical contact, a first data contact,        and a second data contact each having a contact surface exposed        through an outer surface of the mounting device and configured        to couple to corresponding pins from the at least one accessory.    -   Clause 10. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 9,        wherein the contact surfaces of the positive electrical contact,        the negative electrical contact, the first data contact, and the        second data contact are each flush with the outer surface of the        mounting device.    -   Clause 11. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1        further comprising:    -   a data transmission line coupled between the power supply and        the mounting device and configured to transfer data between one        of the at least one accessory and another of the at least one        accessory.    -   Clause 12. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1        further comprising:    -   a power source mount coupled to the mounting device, the power        source mount having a concaved inner surface configured to        correspond to a curvature of a rear surface of the helmet, the        power source being removeably coupled to the power source mount.    -   Clause 13. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 12,        wherein the power source mount is coupled to the mounting device        by an adjustable fastener configured to move the mounting device        relative to the power source mount to adjust the helmet        accessory mounting system to a size of the helmet.    -   Clause 14. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 12,        wherein the power source mount includes a hot shoe configured to        electrically couple the power supply to the mounting device.    -   Clause 15. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the mounting device includes a receiving socket at a        front side of the mounting device configured to receive a cable,        wherein the receiving socket is configured to establish at least        one of an electric connection or data connection between the        power supply and an accessory mounted on a front portion of the        helmet.    -   Clause 16. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the mounting device is a first mounting device        configured to couple to the outer surface of a first side of the        helmet, the plurality of mounting locations being a first        plurality of mounting locations, each electrical node being a        first electrical node. The helmet accessory mounting system        further comprises: a second mounting device configured to couple        to the outer surface of a second side of the helmet opposite the        first side and including a second plurality of mounting        locations for removeably coupling to the at least one accessory,        each of the second plurality of mounting locations including a        second electrical node; and a second electrical supply line        electrically coupling the power supply to each of the second        electrical nodes and contained at least partially within the        second mounting device.    -   Clause 17. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 16        further comprising: a sensor configured to sense a condition        associated with the at least one accessory being coupled to the        mounting device.    -   Clause 18. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 17        further comprising: a switch in the electrical supply line,        wherein the switch is closed when the sensor senses the        condition associated with the accessory being coupled to the        mounting device.    -   Clause 19. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 16,        wherein an accessory presence sensor is configured to sense a        magnetic field associated with the at least one accessory.    -   Clause 20. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the power supply comprises: a first series-connected        battery set including at least one battery cell connectable in        series electrical communication; a second series-connected        battery set including at least one battery cell connectable in        series electrical communication, the second series-connected        battery set connected in parallel electrical communication with        the first series-connected battery set; and a first modular        battery circuit in series electrical communication with the        first series-connected battery set and a second modular battery        circuit in series electrical communication with the second        series-connected battery set, the first modular battery circuit        and the second modular battery circuit being configured to        prevent battery cell balancing.    -   Clause 21. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 20,        wherein the first modular battery circuit includes: battery        control circuitry connected to the first series-connected        battery set at a battery interconnection node, the battery        control circuitry connected to ground at a ground        interconnection node, the battery control circuitry configured        to prevent current from flowing from a positive terminal to a        negative terminal through the battery cells of the first        series-connected battery set, the battery control circuitry        including a transistor in series electrical communication with        first series-connected battery set; and a voltage drop detector        circuit configured to detect a voltage drop from the battery        interconnection node to the ground interconnection node while        the battery control circuitry is preventing current from flowing        from a positive terminal to a negative terminal through the        battery cells and turn off the transistor of the battery control        circuitry to prevent current from flowing through the transistor        of the battery control circuitry.    -   Clause 22. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1        further comprising: for each electrical node: an enable circuit        in electrical communication with the respective electrical node,        and a current limiting circuit in electrical communication with        the enable circuit and the power supply. The enable circuit is        configured to: sense an attachment of an accessory at an        electrical node, and output an enable signal in response to        determining that an accessory is connected to an respective        electrical node. The current limiting circuit is configured to:        receive the enable signal from the enable circuit to enable the        current limiting circuit, receive electrical power from the        power supply, and in response to receiving the enable signal,        limit an amount of electrical current in the electrical power        provided by the power supply to the respective accessory to        mitigate or prevent damage to the respective accessory, the        power supply or the mounting device.    -   Clause 23. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 22,        wherein the amount of electrical current is limited to less than        a predetermined threshold.    -   Clause 24. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 22,        wherein the current limiting circuit including a temperature        detection circuit configured to: while the current limiting        circuit is enabled: detect an internal temperature of components        of the current limiting circuit, and in response to detecting        that the internal temperature of the components of the current        limiting circuit exceeds a threshold, disabling the current        limiting circuit to prevent the respective accessory from        receiving electrical power from the power supply, and in        response to detecting that the internal temperature of the        components of the current limiting circuit falls below a        threshold, re-enabling the current limiting circuit to allow the        respective accessory to receive electrical power from the power        supply.    -   Clause 25. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the at least one accessory has one of at least two        separate voltage requirements. The helmet accessory mounting        system further comprises: a power switching circuit configured        to: receive a power signal from the power supply, and select and        transmit a low voltage or a high voltage to the at least one        accessory based on an operating voltage signal received from the        at least one accessory indicating a voltage requirement of the        at least one accessory.    -   Clause 26. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 25,        wherein the power switching circuit includes: a regulator        circuit configured to supply the low voltage at a constant        voltage to the at least one accessory, and a voltage decay        simulation circuit configured to: while the regulator circuit is        transmitting the low voltage at a constant voltage, generating        an adjustment voltage inversely proportional to the power from        the power supply such that the adjustment voltage increases as a        voltage of the power signal decreases, subtracting the        adjustment voltage from the low voltage to create an adjusted        low voltage that is transmitted to the at least one accessory.    -   Clause 27. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 26,        wherein the adjusted low voltage varies as a function of an        environmental temperature at the helmet.    -   Clause 28. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 25,        wherein the power switching circuit includes: a voltage drop        reduction circuit configured to mitigate a difference in voltage        between the power signal and the high voltage transmitted to the        at least one accessory caused by one or more semiconductor        components in an electrical communication path between the power        signal and the high voltage transmitted to the at least one        accessory.    -   Clause 29. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 14,        wherein the hot shoe of the power source mount includes: a        plurality of contacts including a plurality of power supply        contacts configured to transfer power from the power source to        the at least one accessory and a plurality of data contacts        configured to transfer data between a controller at the power        source and a controller at the at least one accessory.    -   Clause 30. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 29,        wherein a total number of the plurality of contacts is at least        19 contacts positioned within a maximum area of about 0.35        inch².    -   Clause 31. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 30,        wherein at least some of the plurality of data contacts are        high-speed data contacts, wherein the high speed data contacts        are spaced apart from each other by at least 0.210 inches.    -   Clause 32. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 31,        wherein a diameter of the plurality of contacts is about at        least 0.072 inches.    -   Clause 33. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 32,        wherein a minimum distance between any of the high-speed data        contacts and any other contacts of the plurality of contacts is        at least 0.148 inches.    -   Clause 34. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        further comprising: a helmet controller; and a data line        coupling at least one of the electrical nodes to the helmet        controller, wherein the helmet controller is configured to        exchange first accessory data with a first accessory connected        at one of the electrical nodes, via the data line, using one of        a plurality of bandwidth-specific communication protocols        selected based on bandwidth capability characteristics of the        first accessory.    -   Clause 35. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 34,        wherein the helmet controller is configured to: receive the        first accessory data from the first accessory, for transmission        to a second accessory, using a first bandwidth-specific        communication protocol, determine bandwidth capability        characteristics of the second accessory, in response to        determining the bandwidth capability characteristics of the        second accessory: select a second bandwidth-specific        communication protocol based on the bandwidth capability        characteristics of the second accessory, and transmit the first        accessory data to the second accessory.    -   Clause 36. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 35,        wherein the first accessory is configured to: receive controller        data from the helmet controller, using a first        bandwidth-specific communication protocol, generate first        accessory data based on the controller data, select a second        bandwidth-specific communication protocol based on at least one        of: the bandwidth capability characteristics of the second        accessory and bandwidth requirements of the first accessory        data, and transmit first accessory data to the second accessory.    -   Clause 37. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 34,        wherein the plurality of bandwidth-specific communication        protocols includes a low-bandwidth communication protocol and a        high-bandwidth communication protocol.    -   Clause 38. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1        further comprising: a helmet controller in electrical        communication with each of the electrical nodes, and a data line        coupling each of the electrical nodes, wherein the helmet        controller is configured to: periodically probe each of the        electrical nodes to determine if a respective accessory is        connected to the respective electrical node; and in response to        determining that a respective accessory is connected to the        respective electrical node: enable power at the electrical node,        transmit a broadcast discover message to the respective        accessory at the electrical node, receive product identification        and device identification information, validate the respective        accessory using the product identification and device        identification, assign a node identifier to the respective        electrical node, transmit the node identifier to the respective        accessory at the electrical node for the respective accessory to        register the node identifier, and exchange accessory data with        the respective accessory.    -   Clause 39. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1        further comprising: a data line coupling each of the electrical        nodes, wherein the data line is configured to transmit first        accessory data from a first accessory connected at one of the        electrical nodes to a second accessory connected at another of        the electrical nodes.    -   Clause 40. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 39,        wherein the first accessory data includes first accessory state        data representative of the state of the first accessory, wherein        the second accessory changes from operating in a first state to        operating in a second state in response to receiving the first        accessory state data from the first accessory.    -   Clause 41. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 39        further comprising: a helmet controller in electrical        communication with the data line, the helmet controller        configured to: receive the first accessory data from the first        accessory, the first accessory data including first accessory        state data; and in response to receiving the first accessory        data, transmit an accessory control command to the second        accessory to cause the second accessory to change from operating        in the first state to operating in a second state.    -   Clause 42. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein the first accessory generates the first        accessory state data in response to a state change of the first        accessory.    -   Clause 43. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 42,        wherein the state change of the first accessory is in response        to a user command received at the first accessory.    -   Clause 44. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory is a first strobe;        the second accessory is a second strobe; the first accessory        state data represents a strobe pulse rate, brightness and strobe        duration rate of the first accessory; and the second accessory        changing from operating in a first state to operating in a        second state includes strobing the second accessory at the        strobe pulse rate, brightness and strobe duration rate of the        first accessory.    -   Clause 45. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory is a strobe light;        the second accessory is a flashlight; the first accessory state        data represents one of: the strobe light operating in a visible        light mode and the strobe light operating in an infrared mode;        and the second accessory operating in a second state includes        one of: the flashlight operating in a visible light mode and the        flashlight operating in an infrared mode.    -   Clause 46. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory is battery pack; the        second accessory is night vision goggle; the first accessory        state data represents a low battery state; and the second        accessory changing from operating in the first state to        operating in the second state includes changing from enabling a        thermal camera and augmented reality at the night vision goggles        to disabling the thermal camera and augmented reality at the        night vision goggles.    -   Clause 47. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory is battery pack; the        second accessory is flashlight; the first accessory state data        represents low battery; and the second accessory changing from        operating in the first state to operating in the second state        includes operating in a high brightness setting to a dim        setting.    -   Clause 48. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory is a battery pack;        the second accessory is a communications headset; the first        accessory state data represents low battery; and the second        accessory changing from operating in the first state to        operating in the second state includes periodically outputting a        low battery warning with a time remaining indication at the        communications headset.    -   Clause 49. The helmet accessory mounting system of one of        clauses 40-41, wherein: the first accessory includes a receiver        configured to receive an input from an end user device; the        second accessory is a strobe light; the first accessory state        data represents a strobe pulse rate, strobe duration rate,        brightness, and color of the strobe light selected by an        operator at the end user device; and the second accessory        changing from operating in the first state to operating in the        second state includes changing strobe pulse rate, strobe        duration rate, brightness, and color settings of the strobe        light.    -   Clause 50. A helmet system comprising: a helmet having an outer        surface, the outer surface having a first side and a second side        opposed to the first side and a rear surface between the first        side and second side; a power source; and an accessory mounting        assembly comprising: a first mounting device coupled to the        first side of the outer surface of the helmet and including a        plurality of first mounting locations for removeably coupling to        at least one accessory of a plurality of accessories, a        plurality of the plurality of first mounting locations each        including an electrical node; a second mounting device coupled        to the second side of the outer surface of the helmet and        including a plurality of second mounting locations for        removeably coupling to at least one accessory of the plurality        of accessories, a plurality of the plurality of second mounting        locations each including an electrical node. The system further        comprises a power source mount coupled to the outer surface of        the helmet, the power source mount having a concaved inner        surface configured to correspond to a curvature of the rear        surface of the outer surface of the helmet, the power source        mount including at least one mounting location. The first        mounting device and second mounting device are each adjustably        coupled to the power source mount by an adjustable fastener,        each of the adjustable fasteners configured to move the first        mounting device and second mounting device relative to the power        source mount to adjust the accessory mounting assembly to a size        of the helmet. The power source is removeably coupled to the at        least one mounting location of the power source mount, wherein        the power source is configured to provide power to each of the        electrical nodes. The power source includes a controller        configured to exchange data with each of the electrical nodes. A        bottom edge of the first mounting device, second mounting        device, and power source mount are each disposed on the outer        surface of the helmet above a bottom edge of the helmet. Each        electrical node includes a positive electrical contact, a        negative electrical contact, a first data contact, and a second        data contact each having a contact surface exposed through an        outer surface of the corresponding first mounting device and        second mounting device, each electrical node configured to        couple to corresponding pins from the at least one accessory of        the plurality of accessories.    -   Clause 51. An accessory for mounting to a helmet, the accessory        comprising: a body housing electronics and having a proximal end        configured to releasably couple to a mount attached to the        helmet; a spacing surface coupled to the proximal end; a        plurality of pins extending through the spacing surface, each of        the plurality of pins being spring biased relative to the body;        and an elastomeric seal disposed on the spacing surface and        surrounding the plurality of pins.    -   Clause 52. The accessory of clause 51 further comprising: an        accessory controller configured to: while the accessory is        mounted to the helmet at a respective electrical node: receive a        broadcast discover message from a helmet controller positioned        at the helmet, in response to receiving the broadcast discover        message, transmit product identification and device        identification information indicative of the accessory, and        after the helmet controller validates the respective accessory        using the product identification and device identification and        transmits a node identifier to the electrical node, exchange        accessory data with the helmet controller.    -   Clause 53. The accessory of clause 51, wherein the plurality of        pins forms a T-shape and includes two pins along a first        imaginary reference line and two pins along a second imaginary        reference line, the second line bisecting the first line.    -   Clause 54. The accessory of clause 53, wherein the plurality of        pins include at least one power pin configured to connect a        power source mounted on the helmet to one or more electrical        components at the accessory when the accessory is coupled to the        mount attached to the helmet, wherein the plurality of pins        include at least one data pin configured to connect a controller        mounted on the helmet to the one or more electrical components        at the accessory.    -   Clause 55. The accessory of clause 51 further comprising: a        magnet extending from the proximal end.    -   Clause 56. The accessory of clause 51, wherein the body includes        a light source.    -   Clause 57. The accessory of clause 51 further comprising: an ear        cup coupled to the body.    -   Clause 58. The accessory of clause 51, further comprising a        receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive electric power        and transmit the received electric power to recharge a power        source coupled to the helmet.    -   Clause 59. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        wherein the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.    -   Clause 60. The helmet accessory mounting system of clause 1,        further comprising a receiver configured to receive an input        from an end user device, the receiver being fixedly coupled to        the mounting device.    -   Clause 61. The accessory of clause 51, wherein the plurality of        pins includes 8 pins.

Further Considerations

In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may depend from any oneof the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In oneaspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) maybe combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent orindependent clauses). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all ofthe words (e.g, steps, operations, means or components) recited in aclause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In one aspect, a claim mayinclude some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses,sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words ineach of the clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs may be removed. Inone aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, asentence, a phrase ora paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technologymay be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements,functions or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subjecttechnology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements,functions or operations.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaningthat includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least oneof any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of theitems. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or“at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C;any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, andC.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used inthis disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frameof reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame ofreference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and arear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, orhorizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

As used herein, the term “about” is relative to the actual value stated,as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, and allows forapproximations, inaccuracies and limits of measurement under therelevant circumstances. In one or more aspects, the terms “about,”“substantially,” and “approximately” may provide an industry-acceptedtolerance for their corresponding terms and/or relativity between items,such as a tolerance of from less than one percent to 5 percent of theactual value stated, and other suitable tolerances.

As used herein, the term “comprising” indicates the presence of thespecified integer(s), but allows for the possibility of other integers,unspecified. This term does not imply any particular proportion of thespecified integers. Variations of the word “comprising,” such as“comprise” and “comprises,” have correspondingly similar meanings.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

1. A helmet accessory mounting system comprising: a mounting deviceconfigured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet, themounting device including a plurality of mounting locations configuredto releasably couple to at least one accessory, a plurality of theplurality of mounting locations each including an electrical node; apower supply coupled to the mounting device, the power supply comprisinga receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive power from a sourcecoil; and an electrical supply line electrically coupling the powersupply to each of the electrical nodes, the electrical supply linecontained at least partially within the mounting device. 2-3. (canceled)4. The helmet accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mountingdevice further includes at least one mounting location including a HallEffect sensor. 5-10. (canceled)
 11. The helmet accessory mounting systemof claim 1 further comprising a data transmission line coupled betweenthe power supply and the mounting device and configured to transfer databetween one of the at least one accessory and another of the at leastone accessory, wherein the data transmission line is further configuredto supply power to the at least one accessory depending on a type of theat least one accessory. 12-16. (canceled)
 17. The helmet accessorymounting system of claim 1 further comprising: a sensor configured tosense one or more of: an identity, a type, and a condition of the atleast one accessory being coupled to the mounting device.
 18. (canceled)19. The helmet accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein themounting device further comprises an accessory presence sensorconfigured to sense a magnetic field associated with the at least oneaccessory. 20-21. (canceled)
 22. The helmet accessory mounting system ofclaim 1 further comprising for each electrical node: an enable circuitin electrical communication with the respective electrical node, theenable circuit configured to: sense an attachment of an accessory at anelectrical node, sense a type, identity or both of the accessory at theelectrical node, and output an enable signal in response to determiningthat an accessory is connected to an respective electrical node, theenable signal including information associated with the type, theidentity or both of the accessory at the electrical node; and a currentlimiting circuit in electrical communication with the enable circuit andthe power supply, the current limiting circuit configured to: receivethe enable signal from the enable circuit to enable the current limitingcircuit, receive electrical power from the power supply, and in responseto receiving the enable signal, limit an amount of electrical current inthe electrical power provided by the power supply to the respectiveaccessory, based on the information associated with the type, theidentity or both of the respective accessory, to mitigate or preventdamage to the respective accessory, the power supply or the mountingdevice.
 23. The helmet accessory mounting system of claim 22, whereinthe amount of electrical current is limited to less than a predeterminedthreshold determined based on the type, the identity or both of therespective accessory. 24-33. (canceled)
 34. The helmet accessorymounting system of claim 17, further comprising: a helmet controlleroperably coupled to the sensor; and a data line coupling at least one ofthe electrical nodes to the helmet controller, wherein the helmetcontroller is configured to: determine bandwidth capabilitycharacteristics of a first accessory connected at one of the electricalnodes based on identity, type or condition of the first accessory sensedby the sensor, and exchange first accessory data with the firstaccessory, via the data line, using one of a plurality ofbandwidth-specific communication protocols selected based on bandwidthcapability characteristics of the first accessory.
 35. The helmetaccessory mounting system of claim 34, wherein the helmet controller isconfigured to: receive the first accessory data from the firstaccessory, for transmission to a second accessory, using a firstbandwidth-specific communication protocol, determine bandwidthcapability characteristics of the second accessory, and in response todetermining the bandwidth capability characteristics of the secondaccessory: select a second bandwidth-specific communication protocolbased on the bandwidth capability characteristics of the secondaccessory, and transmit the first accessory data to the secondaccessory. 36-37. (canceled)
 38. The helmet accessory mounting system ofclaim 17 further comprising: a helmet controller in electricalcommunication with each of the electrical nodes and operably connectedto the sensor, and a data line coupling each of the electrical nodes,wherein the helmet controller is configured to: periodically probe eachof the electrical nodes to determine if a respective accessory isconnected to the respective electrical node; and in response todetermining that a respective accessory is connected to the respectiveelectrical node: determine the identity, the type or the condition ofthe respective accessory, enable power at the electrical node, limitingan amount of electrical current depending on the determined identity,type or condition of the respective accessory, receive productidentification and device identification information, validate therespective accessory using the product identification, deviceidentification and the determined type or identity, assign a nodeidentifier to the respective electrical node, transmit the nodeidentifier to the respective accessory at the electrical node for therespective accessory to register the node identifier, and exchangeaccessory data with the respective accessory.
 39. The helmet accessorymounting system of claim 1 further comprising: a data line coupling eachof the electrical nodes, wherein the data line is configured to transmitfirst accessory data, including first accessory state data, from a firstaccessory connected at one of the electrical nodes to a second accessoryconnected at another of the electrical nodes. 40-41. (canceled)
 42. Thehelmet accessory mounting system of claim 39, wherein the firstaccessory generates a first accessory state data, representative of thestate of the first accessory, in response to a state change of the firstaccessory. 43-48. (canceled)
 49. The helmet accessory mounting system ofclaim 42, wherein: the first accessory includes a receiver configured toreceive an input from an end user device; the second accessory is astrobe light; the first accessory state data represents a strobe pulserate, strobe duration rate, brightness, and color of the strobe lightselected by an operator at the end user device; and the second accessorychanging from operating in the first state to operating in the secondstate includes changing strobe pulse rate, strobe duration rate,brightness, and color settings of the strobe light.
 50. A helmet systemcomprising: a helmet having an outer surface, the outer surface having afirst side and a second side opposed to the first side and a rearsurface between the first side and second side; a power sourcecomprising a receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive power from asource coil; an accessory mounting assembly comprising: a first mountingdevice coupled to the first side of the outer surface of the helmet andincluding a plurality of first mounting locations for removeablycoupling to at least one accessory of a plurality of accessories, aplurality of the plurality of first mounting locations each including anelectrical node; a second mounting device coupled to the second side ofthe outer surface of the helmet and including a plurality of secondmounting locations for removeably coupling to at least one accessory ofthe plurality of accessories, a plurality of the plurality of secondmounting locations each including an electrical node; and a power sourcemount coupled to the outer surface of the helmet, the power source mounthaving a concaved inner surface configured to correspond to a curvatureof the rear surface of the outer surface of the helmet, the power sourcemount including at least one mounting location, wherein the firstmounting device and second mounting device are each adjustably coupledto the power source mount by an adjustable fastener, each of theadjustable fasteners configured to move the first mounting device andsecond mounting device relative to the power source mount to adjust theaccessory mounting assembly to a size of the helmet, wherein the powersource is removeably coupled to the at least one mounting location ofthe power source mount, wherein the power source is configured toprovide power to each of the electrical nodes, wherein the power sourceincludes a controller configured to exchange data with each of theelectrical nodes, wherein a bottom edge of the first mounting device,second mounting device, and power source mount are each disposed on theouter surface of the helmet above a bottom edge of the helmet, whereineach electrical node includes a positive electrical contact, a negativeelectrical contact, a first data contact, and a second data contact eachhaving a contact surface exposed through an outer surface of thecorresponding first mounting device and second mounting device, eachelectrical node configured to couple to corresponding pins from the atleast one accessory of the plurality of accessories.
 51. An accessoryfor mounting to a helmet, the accessory comprising: a body housingelectronics and having a proximal end configured to releasably couple toa mount attached to the helmet; a spacing surface coupled to theproximal end; a plurality of pins extending through the spacing surface,each of the plurality of pins being spring biased relative to the body,wherein the plurality of pins comprises accessory electrical contactsand accessory data contacts; and an elastomeric seal disposed on thespacing surface and surrounding the plurality of pins.
 52. (canceled)53. The accessory of claim 51, wherein the plurality of pins furthercomprise audio signal contacts providing a high-speed bus to a secondaccessory releasably coupled to the mount attached to the helmet. 54.The accessory of claim 53, wherein the high-speed bus is configured toprovide multiple channels of audio between the accessory and the secondaccessory and maintaining a synchronous clock between the accessory andthe second accessory.
 55. The accessory of claim 51 further comprising:a plurality of magnets extending from the proximal end, the plurality ofmagnets being arranged to enable a sensor on the mount attached tohelmet to sense a type, identity or condition of the accessory. 56-57.(canceled)
 58. The accessory of claim 51, further comprising a receivercoil configured to wirelessly receive electric power and transmit thereceived electric power to recharge a power source coupled to thehelmet.
 59. The helmet accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein thepower supply comprises a rechargeable battery.
 60. The helmet accessorymounting system of claim 1, further comprising a receiver configured toreceive an input from an end user device, the receiver being fixedlycoupled to the mounting device.
 61. The accessory of claim 51, whereinthe plurality of pins includes 8 pins.
 62. The accessory of claim 51,comprising one or more coaxial pins.
 63. The accessory of claim 51,comprising a headset worn over an operator's ears and a situationalawareness system configured to share data about a direction of a targetobject.
 64. The accessory of claim 51, comprising one or more of achemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) sensors.
 65. Theaccessory of claim 64, wherein the one or more of the CBRN sensors areoperably connected to a controller configured to communicate with one ormore controllers of other accessories worn by other operators.
 66. Theaccessory of claim 51, comprising an antenna configured to receive andtransmit radio frequencies.
 67. The accessory of claim 51, wherein thehelmet is worn by a first operator, the accessory comprising acontroller configured to communicate with one or more other accessoriesmounted to one or more helmets worn by operators other than the firstoperator to form a network.
 68. The accessory of claim 67, wherein theaccessory and each of the one or more other accessories further comprisea sensor, wherein the controller is configured to process signalsreceived from one or more other accessories to determine a location,strength and/or gradient of an external signal sensed by each of thesensors of the accessory and the one or more accessories.
 69. Theaccessory of claim 68 further comprising a transmitter configured totransmit an output signal based on the processed signals.